History Today: How Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered Mount Everest

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29-05-2025

On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest. The two were part of the British Mount Everest Expedition led by Colonel John Hunt. On this day in 2014, actor Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of TIME magazine. This is considered to be a turning point for transgender representation in the mainstream media read more
Edmund Hillary (left) and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay (right) reached the 29,035-foot summit of Everest on May 29, 1953, becoming the first people to stand atop the world's highest mountain. File image/AP
History was created on May 29, 1953, when New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first known explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. At 29,035 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth and to scale this summit is a feat in itself.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
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On this day in 2014, actor and advocate for transgender Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of TIME magazine.
Here is all that took place on this day across the world.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay scale Mount Everest summit
It was at 11:30 am on May 29, 1953 when Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay in Nepal became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest . The news of their achievement reached the world on June 2, the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and since the two part of the British Mount Everest Expedition, the people of the country took it as a good omen.
The duo commenced their final ascent from a high camp above the South Col on the morning of May 28. They navigated treacherous ridgelines and icy slopes, confronting the formidable 40-foot rock face later named the 'Hillary Step.' Hillary led the climb up this challenging section, with Norgay closely following. On May 29, they stood atop the world's highest peak.
Tenzing Norgay (left) and Edmund Hillary (right) smile during their first interview with Reuters after their legendary ascent of Mount Everest in Thyangboche, Nepal on June 6, 1953. File image/Reuters
They spent approximately 15 minutes at the summit. During this time, Hillary captured photographs of Norgay holding an ice axe adorned with the flags of Nepal, the United Nations, Great Britain and India. While Norgay left chocolates as an offering to the mountain, Hillary placed a small cross given to him by expedition leader John Hunt.
Following their triumph Hillary was knighted and Norgay received the George Medal. The successful ascent of Everest by Hillary and Norgay marked a pivotal moment in mountaineering history.
Laverne Cox became first transgender person to appear on TIME magazine's cover
Today we see many transgender people in the world of entertainment and media. But, that was not the case 11 years ago. Then there was nearly no representation of the community, especially on a global scale. This scenario changed on May 29, 2014, with actor Laverne Cox appearing on the cover of TIME magazine as the first transgender person. This moment is often referred to as the turning point for transgender representation in the mainstream media.
Cox, renowned for her role as Sophia Burset in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, had already broken barriers as the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Her TIME cover further amplified her influence, spotlighting her as a leading advocate for transgender rights.
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Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to be featured on the cover of TIME magazine. Instagram/LaverneCox
The actor appeared for the cover story, 'The Transgender Tipping Point' penned by Katy Steinmetz. It delved into the challenges faced by the transgender community and highlighted the increasing visibility of these individuals in society. Cox emphasised the diversity within the transgender experience, stating, 'There's not just one trans story. There's not just one trans experience.'
Cox's appearance on the cover of TIME is widely regarded as a landmark in the fight for transgender equality, symbolizing a shift toward broader acceptance and understanding.
This Day, That Year
In 1999, Discovery became the first space shuttle to dock with the International Space Station.
Wisconsin became the 30th state of the union on this day in 1848.
On this day in 1453, Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire fell to the Ottomans.