Publically and professionally identifying or expressing stereotypical characteristics as a homosexual was at one point in time illegal. On April 27, 1953, President Eisenhower approved an executive order that prohibited gay people from working for the Federal government, indicating that they are a risk to the security.¹ The Stonewall Riot in New York City, New York on June 28, 1969 ignited the gay civil rights movement, opening space for more visibility for queer people.¹ Larger populations of LGBTQIAA+ communities are typically found in urban environments as the multi-layered diverse populations are typically more accepting and accommodating to those who are seen as outcasts in rural and suburban neighborhoods. This pattern gives a stronger understanding for why there is little evidence of gay people in Glassboro, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia. Through communication with community members of those who have lived in Glassboro during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, out gay people were very uncommon. This does not mean gay people did not exist in Glassboro’s history, rather an indication that queer people had to mask their authentic identity with straightness to prevent bigotry and discrimination.

1. "LGBT Rights Milestones Facts," CNN online, 1 April 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/19/us/lgbt-rights-milestones-fast-facts/index.html.