The Cockettes

January 8, 1880

On this date in 1880, Norton the First, Emperor of San Francisco and Protector of Mexico, collapsed and died while walking up California Street to Nob Hill.

January 1, 1962

On this date in 1962, Illinois became the first state to repeal its sodomy laws.

January 1, 1965

On this date in 1965, a police raid on a gay drag ball by the Council on Religion and the Homosexual ends of sparking public sympathy for the gay victims.

December 31, 1969

On this date in 1969, the Cockettes performed for the first time, making their debut at the Palace Theater in North Beach.