From the 1950s to the 1990s, the United States and the United Kingdom experienced a moral panic over homosexuality, with fears that homosexuals were trying to 'promote homosexuality' to society, including children. The panic was fueled by conservative activism, media sensationalism, and the belief that homosexuals were a threat to the moral order. The panic led to discrimination, persecution, and the passage of laws criminalizing homosexual acts.

The homosexual panic has been a central theme in LGBTQ+ literature, inspiring poets and writers to explore the dynamics of fear, prejudice, and the struggle for acceptance. The event has been the subject of numerous works that critique the persecution of homosexuals and the role of media in shaping public perception. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral panic and the importance of protecting the rights of marginalized groups.