Harry Hay

Henry "Harry" Hay Jr.

Activist, labor organizer, and founder of the Mattachine Society, one of the first LGBT rights organizations in the United States

Born: April 7, 1912, in Worthing, Sussex, England

Died: October 24, 2002, in San Francisco, California, United States

Nationality: American

Harry Hay (1912-2002) was an American activist, writer, and organizer who is widely considered to be one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. He was a pioneering advocate for the rights of gay men and lesbians, and he played a key role in the founding of several important organizations that have helped to shape the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

One of Hay's most significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement was his founding of the Mattachine Society, which was one of the first gay rights organizations in the United States. The Mattachine Society was founded in 1950, and it sought to provide a forum for gay men to discuss their experiences and organize for political and social change. Hay was a key figure in the early years of the organization, and he helped to shape its vision and mission.

In addition to his work with the Mattachine Society, Hay was also a vocal advocate for the rights of lesbians. He co-founded the first lesbian rights organization in the United States, the Daughters of Bilitis, in 1955. The organization provided a space for lesbians to socialize and organize, and it played an important role in advancing the visibility and acceptance of lesbians in American society.

Hay was also a writer and thinker who made significant contributions to the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. He was particularly interested in the idea of "gay consciousness," which he defined as the recognition of one's own same-sex desires and the development of a sense of community and identity around those desires. This idea helped to inspire a generation of LGBTQ+ activists, and it continues to influence the way that many people think about sexuality and identity today.

Throughout his life, Hay remained a committed advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. He continued to work on behalf of the community well into his 80s, and he was recognized for his contributions with numerous awards and honors. Today, he is remembered as an extraordinary figure who helped to lay the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and his legacy continues to inspire and inform the work of activists and advocates around the world.

Harry Hay for Children

Harry Hay was a man who lived a long time ago, and he did some really important things for people who are gay or lesbian. He started some groups to help people who are gay or lesbian feel like they belong and have friends who understand them. He also wrote some things that helped people understand that it's okay to be gay or lesbian, and that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter who they love. Harry Hay was a hero for many people, and he helped make the world a better place for everyone.

Some Harry Hay Quotes Explained

"The root of the word 'queer' is 'questioning,' and that's what we're all doing, questioning."

In this quote, Hay is referring to the word "queer," which is a term that has been used both as a slur against LGBTQ+ people and as a reclaimed identity by some members of the community. Hay is pointing out that the word "queer" originally meant "questioning," which is something that all people do at some point in their lives. By reclaiming the word "queer," LGBTQ+ people are asserting their right to question societal norms and expectations around gender and sexuality.

"What you have to do is work with the raw material you have, namely yourself, and never let up."

In this quote, Hay is emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and self-improvement. He is saying that each person has the power to make a difference in the world, but that change must begin with the individual. By working on oneself and striving to be the best version of oneself, one can contribute to a better society.

"You're not just responsible for yourself, but you're responsible for the world and making it better."

In this quote, Hay is highlighting the idea that all people have a responsibility to contribute to the greater good. He is saying that it's not enough to just focus on oneself; one must also think about how one's actions and choices affect the world around them. By working to make the world a better place, individuals can make a positive impact on society as a whole.

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