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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n
Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead more<\/span><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhether performing, protesting or pioneering behind the scenes, history is full of LGBT+ figures that helped shift culture and challenge social norms.<\/p>\n
So, as we celebrate Pride Month this June, here\u2019s a look back at some of history\u2019s most inspiring LGBT+ icons.<\/p>\n
1. Alan Turing (1912-1954)<\/strong><\/p>\nAlan Turing, a brilliant mathematician, played a pivotal role in helping defeat Nazi Germany during World War II by cracking the Enigma code \u2013 an achievement believed to have shortened the war by several years.<\/p>\n
Despite his contributions, Turing became a victim of Britain\u2019s harsh anti-gay laws. In 1952, he was arrested and convicted for being gay \u2013 a criminal offence at the time. He died two years later aged 41 from suspected suicide.<\/p>\n
In 2013, he received a posthumous royal pardon, and in 2017, the UK government extended this to thousands of men convicted under similar laws, in what\u2019s now known as the \u201cAlan Turing law.\u201d His legacy lives on, including his image on the \u00a350 banknote.<\/p>\n
2. Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)<\/strong><\/p>\nMarsha P. Johnson was a pioneering African American activist and drag performer who played a key role in the fight for LGBT+ and trans rights in the 1960s and Seventies.<\/p>\n
In 1969, she was among those who resisted police during the raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City \u2013 an act of defiance that sparked the Stonewall Uprising, a major turning point in the LGBT+ rights movement.<\/p>\n
Johnson went on to co-found activist groups and became a powerful symbol of resistance and visibility for trans and queer people, especially those of colour.<\/p>\n
3. Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)<\/strong><\/p>\nKnown as the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury is considered the greatest singers in rock music history, with his theatrical style and four-octave vocal range.<\/p>\n
But despite his flamboyant on stage persona, Mercury never publicly clarified his sexuality.<\/p>\n
In 1985, he began a long-term relationship with Irish-born hairdresser Jim Hutton, whom he referred to as his husband. Mercury described their relationship as one built on solace and understanding, and said that he \u201chonestly couldn\u2019t ask for better\u201d.<\/p>\n
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