The start of the modern Florida gay rights movement is often credited to Richard A. Inman. Inman, like many gay activits in the 1960's, became frustrated with the lot of gay people after being arrested twice for being in a gay bar. In 1963, he founded the Atheneum society. This was a state chartered organization focused on fighting for justice for gay people. This was a difficult time in Florida as there were several powerful anti-gay political leaders including Charley Johns of the notorious Johns Commission. Eventually, Inman's group became part of the broader national Mattachine Society. Inman dropped out of public life in the 1960's and died in 1985. Born in 1926, Inman had the opportunity to see many positive changes in Florida as a result of his initial efforts.
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