rights
Gay 1920s-era Hollywood star to be honored in Staunton, Va.
By Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade
· June 11, 2026
· 1 min read
A project is underway in Staunton, Va., to honor William ‘Billy’ Haines, who was born and raised in Staunton before becoming an out gay 1920s and early 1930s-era Hollywood movie star whose acting career ended around 1934 when he refused demands that he conceal his sexual orientation and end his rela
Why this matters
The effort to honor William 'Billy' Haines in Staunton, Va., highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ visibility and recognition in local communities across the United States. Haines's story, marked by his refusal to conceal his sexual orientation and his subsequent exit from Hollywood, serves as a powerful example of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the early 20th century. The Arcadia Project's plan to rename a revitalized movie theater after Haines and establish a mixed-use cultural center will not only commemorate his legacy but also provide a much-needed space for LGBTQ+ community engagement and cultural expression in Staunton. This initiative also underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating LGBTQ+ history, particularly in areas where legal protections and policies may vary significantly, as is the case in many states across the country. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other national resources can provide support and guidance for similar initiatives.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A project is underway in Staunton, Va., to honor William ‘Billy’ Haines, who was born and raised in Staunton before becoming an out gay 1920s and early 1930s-era Hollywood movie star whose acting career ended around 1934 when he refused demands that he conceal his sexual orientation and end his rela
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .