Frank Kameny, born in 1925, was a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. After serving in World War II, Kameny pursued his education, earning a doctorate in astronomy from Harvard University in 1956. However, his career trajectory took a drastic turn when he was dismissed from his position as an astronomer with the U.S. Army's Army Map Service in 1957 solely based on his homosexuality, marking the beginning of his activism for LGBTQ+ rights.

Kameny's dismissal led him to challenge the discriminatory policies of the federal government, becoming one of the earliest activists to demand equality and dignity for LGBTQ+ individuals. In 1961, he co-founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., one of the first LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the nation's capital. Kameny's activism extended to numerous legal battles, including his landmark case Kameny v. Brucker, which challenged the government's ban on LGBTQ+ individuals in federal employment. While he did not win the case, Kameny's tireless advocacy laid the groundwork for future legal victories.

Throughout his life, Kameny fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights, championing causes such as the decriminalization of homosexuality and the removal of discriminatory policies in employment and security clearances. He coined the phrase "Gay is Good," which became a rallying cry for the movement, asserting the inherent dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ individuals. Kameny's activism continued until his passing in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to equality and justice for all.