The Stonewall Riots, in which gay activists and bar patrons of Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn formed a resistance against a discriminatory police raid on June 28, 1969, are widely considered to have galvanized the modern LGBT rights movement in the United States and across the world.
Now, 46 years later, LGBT communities and their allies are seeing unprecedented progress toward global equality, with many milestones taking place within just the past year. Since last LGBT Pride Month, we have seen same-sex marriage legalized in the United States, Ireland and Mexico, international leaders voicing groundbreaking support for LGBT people, and openly queer individuals getting the attention they deserve in government and pop culture alike.
Despite these strides, there are so many issues that still require the world's attention: Countries where homosexuality is still a crime and often punishable by death; LGBT youth homelessness; violence against LGBT people, especially people of color, who are disproportionately affected; the unique challenges facing LGBT immigrants, especially transgender immigrants; and discrimination in health care, among many others.
With these remaining issues in mind, it's still important to commemorate past victories, honoring hard-won efforts and the people behind them, while also showing that both local and international communities can come together and effect the necessary change for millions of lives.
Browse our timeline below, which highlights some of the biggest landmark achievements for LGBT rights that occurred between Pride Month 2014 and Pride Month 2015. From important discussions to legislative action, you'll find moments that made the past year particularly special — and, for many, life-changing.