In 1962 Illinois decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults. Prior to that, homosexual acts were criminal in all 50 states.

Before 1880, laws criminalizing voluntary sodomy were rarely enforced and then between 1880 and 1920 all states with large cities, except Texas, made oral sex a felony, too.

Arrests increased. Across the nation, police began arresting visibly gay men and women for cross dressing, disorderly conduct or "loitering with lewd intent."