August 10, 1948

Gay rights activist  Harry Hay 

organized what later 

became the  Mattachine Society 

(originally Foundation), 

a groundbreaking 

1950s 

gay rights organization. 

The group was named 

after the Mattachines, 

a medieval troupe 

of men who went 

village-to-village 

advocating 

social justice.

Mattachine: Radical Roots of Gay Liberation
Harry Hay on language and labels in the 1930’s

Mattachine: Radical Roots of Gay Liberation
Harry Hay on language and labels in the 1930’s