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Kay Tobin Lahusen and Barbara Gittings, two founders of the Daughters of Bilitis. (Photo: Library of Congress)

Daughters of Bilitis, the first official lesbian organization in the U.S., is founded.

1955

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Kay Tobin Lahusen and Barbara Gittings, two founders of the Daughters of Bilitis. (Photo: Library of Congress)

Four founding couples, many of whom are working-class lesbians, create the Daughters of Bilitis. It is the first official lesbian organization in the United States and is created as an alternative to the bar scene. The group is initially led by Filipina lesbian Rose Bamberger, who first comes up with the idea.