Mattachine

The Mattachine Society was one of the earliest homosexual rights organizations in the United States. Founded in Los Angeles in 1950 by Harry Hay and others, the organization took its name from the "Mattachine" figure in the medieval French "fête des fous" (feast of fools), a figure who wore a mask and was sometimes allowed to speak truths that others could not. The Mattachine Society's stated goal was to educate homosexuals about their rights and to "liberate the homosexual from the stereotype of perversion."

Initially, the organization operated in secrecy, holding small, private meetings. Its early activities included distributing literature and advocating for homosexuals in legal and social matters. Over time, the Mattachine Society grew and established chapters in other cities, including San Francisco and New York. It engaged in public education campaigns, attempting to counter negative societal perceptions of homosexuality. The organization also provided support and counseling to individuals facing discrimination.

The Mattachine Society played a significant role in the nascent homophile movement of the 1950s and early 1960s. It faced internal disagreements and external pressures, including government surveillance and public disapproval. Despite these challenges, the Mattachine Society laid important groundwork for future LGBTQ+ rights activism by raising awareness and fostering a sense of community among homosexual individuals. The organization eventually evolved and merged with other groups, contributing to the broader landscape of gay liberation efforts that gained momentum later in the 1960s.