The first LGBTQ+ studies program was established at San Francisco State University in 1970. This groundbreaking program aimed to explore the history, culture, and politics of the LGBTQ+ community, providing an academic framework for understanding diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The program's creation marked a significant step in higher education, as it recognized the importance of LGBTQ+ issues in society. It paved the way for similar programs across the United States and around the world, contributing to the broader acceptance and study of queer theory and gender studies.