September 22nd

09-22-1958 Joan Jett – Born in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. She is an American rock guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and occasional actress, best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, preceded by success with The Runaways, including their hit song Cherry Bomb. The Blackhearts’ record I Love Rock ’n’ Roll, was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982. Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jett is at once blunt and sly about her own sexuality. “All-inclusive,” she says.

09-22-1969 Sue Perkins – Born in East Dulwich, London, England. She is an English comedian, broadcaster, actress, and writer. Perkins is best known as a radio broadcaster and television presenter, especially The Great British Baker Off (2010-2016) and Insert Name Here (2016-present). She was ranked sixth in The Independent on Sunday’s 2014 Rainbow List (formerly known as the “pink list”). It’s a list of the most influential openly LGBT individuals in the United Kingdom. Her memoir, Spectacles, was published in 2015. She was outed as a lesbian in 2002 by her ex-girlfriend, Rhona Cameron. Perkins said, “being a lesbian is only about the 47th most interesting thing about me.”

09-22-1961 Andrea Jenkins – Born in Chicago, Illinois. She is an American writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. Jenkins is the first African-American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the U.S. On November 7, 2017, she was elected to the Minneapolis City Council from the 8th Ward, receiving 70% of the vote. In 2015, Jenkins was grand marshal of the Twin Cities Pride Parade. She also participates in the Trans Lives Matter movement.

09-22-1929 Rev. Cecil Williams – Born in San Angelo, Texas. Williams was one of the five African American graduates of the Perkins School of theology at Southern Methodist University in 1955. He is the pastor emeritus of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco, a community leader, and author. Williams is a straight supporter of the LGBT community. In 1967, Williams had the cross removed from the church’s sanctuary, saying it was a symbol of death and that his congregation should instead celebrate life and living. Under his leadership, Glide Memorial became a 10,000-member congregation of all races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientation, and religions. It is the largest provider of social services in the city, serving over three thousand meals a day, providing AIDS/HIV screening, offering adult education programs, and giving assistance to women dealing with homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. When Williams was forced to retire at age 70, the local congregation and affiliated non-profit foundation created a new office entitled Minister of Liberation so he could continue to serve the community and church. Since 1982, Williams has been married to Janice Mirikitani and has two children by his first wife, Evelyn Robinson whom he divorced in 1976.

09-22-1965 Dan Bucatinsky – Born in New York City, New York. He is an American actor, writer, and producer, best known for his role as James Novak in the drama series Scandal, for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2013. In 2014, he starred on NBC’s Marry Me, as well as the HBO series The Comeback, which he is also the executive producer. He has also appeared in episodes of many television series, including Weeds, Friends, NYPD Blue, Frasier, and Will & Grace. Bucatinsky met his future husband, screenwriter Don Roos, in 1992. They married in 2008, during the four months same-sex marriage in California was recognized. The couple has two children.

09-22-1984 Ole Henrik Grønn – Born in Norway, place unknown. He is a Norwegian politician, formerly of the Christian Democratic Party. He served as a deputy representative to the Norwegian parliament from Østfold during the term 2005-2009. He was also a member of Sarpsborg municipal council. In 2008 he came out as gay and left the Christian Democratic Party. He did not join another party and now is an independent.