The 1990s were a critical time for gay rights. Despite small progresses being made through the 1980s, LGBTQ individuals still faced rampant hate crimes, job discrimination, and social exclusion. It was also a period of increased activism, as many members of the LGBTQ community began to realize and campaign for the same rights as everyone else. However, this triggered a wave of backlash and resistance, as much of America was not ready for a societal shift. For this reason, while gay rights became a predominant part of political discourse in the 1990s, they would not be fully realized for another 20 years.

It was a moment of hope and activism, but also fierce and violent opposition. This is most evident in the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that was implemented in the US military in 1993. Prior to the policy’s implementation, LGTBQ individuals were prohibited from joining the military based on the belief it would cause problems and hurt morale. President Bill Clinton sought to rectify this with the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which would revoke the prohibition. However, he was met with stiff resistance, and as a compromise, made it so that while LGTBQ Americans were permitted to serve, gay activity remained banned, and LGTBQ individuals would be forced to keep their sexual identities hidden.