1974-04-09 U.S. Psychiatrists Confirm End of Sickness Classification

The American Psychiatric Association announces the results of a referendum of its members about whether or not to endorse the decision of its Board of Trustees to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. The referendum had been pushed by defenders of the sickness theory, such as Dr. Charles Socarides. By a vote of 4,854 to 3,810, the membership approved the elimination of the disease classification of homosexuality.

1974-11-05 Elaine Noble Elected in Massachusetts

Elaine Noble is elected to the state legislature in Massachusetts as a representative from a district in Boston. Noble was the first openly LGBT candidate elected to a state legislative position. Her election encouraged other candidates to run for office and other elected officials to come out.