If you want to learn about a time in the U.S. when you could NOT be "out" if you were LGBT, watch this excellent American Experience from PBS, available for streaming online at:
Fursuited last night to Prometheus with Ryu Raccoon. Forgots to getz pics, theater was darkened when I arriveded. "Is there a creature like you in the movie?" asked the excited mundane in the row in front of meh. "Unfortunately, no kittehs in this movie" I told her.