Throughline The Lavender Scare (Throwback)
14 snips
Jun 20, 2024 Explore the dark history of the Lavender Scare in the U.S., the intense interrogation of Madeleine Tress, and the LGBTQ+ resistance during this period. Learn about the impact of the Lavender Scare on individuals, the fight against discrimination, and the eventual end to official discrimination against homosexuals in government jobs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Madeline Tress's Story
- Madeline Tress, an economist at the Department of Commerce, was interrogated about her sexuality in 1958.
- She resigned, lost a Fulbright fellowship, and became a civil rights attorney.
The Lavender Scare
- The Lavender Scare, a purge of LGBTQ+ individuals from the US government, lasted over 40 years.
- It was rooted in Cold War paranoia and homophobia, impacting elections and LGBTQ+ lives significantly.
McCarthy's Influence
- Senator Joseph McCarthy's 1950 speech sparked the Lavender Scare by linking homosexuality to communism.
- McCarthy's accusations fueled paranoia and created a climate of fear and suspicion.