How were gays and lesbians viewed and treated by the U.S. government?
Students will study the treatment of gay and lesbian federal workers during the period of McCarthyism.
What caused the Black Cat Tavern Riots?
Students will learn about the Black Cat Tavern riots and the start of the gay rights movement.
Were the 1950s truly the “dark ages” for gay Americans as some historians have claimed?
Students will analyze 6 -10 (or more depending on the class) primary and secondary sources. These sources will serve as historical evidence for students as they determine their response to the inquiry question. After students read and annotate each source, they will then collaborate and create a DBQ Poster. The DBQ poster process requires students 1) to sort the sources into 2 or more categories, 2) to consider all historically relevant content and 3) construct a group thesis that directly answers the inquiry question.
How did The Ladder magazine provide lesbian women support in the 1950s?
Students will experience strategies that will help them analyze primary sources, examine and use literacy strategies that will help them access primary sources, engage in close reading and text-based discussions in various settings including in pairs/groups and as a classroom and generate at least one writing task that is Common Core based.
Were the 1920s a time of cultural change?
In this lesson, students will learn about changes and continuities in the 1920s, particularly focused on cultural and social areas. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources that explore race, gender, and sexuality in the 1920s.