April 30, 1985: The Times of Harvey Milk wins an Oscar.

This year Academy Award nominations went out to a host of movies with gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender themes, most notably American Beauty and Boys Don't Cry. But The Advocate pointed out in its April 30, 1985, issue that gay history was first made at the Oscars when producer Richard Schmiechen and director Robert Epstein accepted the Best Documentary award for their film The Times of Harvey Milk. It was the first time the Academy had honored a film dealing openly with gay and lesbian issues.

In acceptance speeches, Epstein thanked his "partner for life," and Schmiechen acknowledged Milk "for his courage, for his pride in being gay, and for his hope that one day we will all live together in a world that we shall respect." Schmiechen later told the magazine that receiving the Oscar validated the film and led to increased distribution, adding that the win would make it easier for other gay and lesbian artists. While the film took more than six years to make, Schmiechen said, "We gay people need to remember that it takes a long time to accomplish something. Ultimately, to get results, we all need to keep plugging for our rights and for our respect."