stonewall riots
By Ashley Tribble, Wisteria Magazine
In the 1950s and 60s, New York City became a haven for those a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The city was filled with gay bars that offered an escape from the constant harassment and discrimination found in other areas of the city, one of the most famous being the Stonewall Inn. It became a popular destination because of its unique protection provided to its customers. This protection came from the owners of the bar - the Mafia, who bribed the police to “look the other way.” But this bribery wasn’t exactly out of the kindness in their hearts- the bar would actually extort wealthy customers by threatening to out them to their employers and families. Along with this, customers also had to endure constant raids by the police, which resulted in customers being charged with such things as solicitation of homosexual relations or non-gender appropriate clothing. The repetition of these actions would soon result in retaliation from the LGBTQ+ community. On June 28, 1969, 9 police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, and the patrons of the bar hit a breaking point. They were outraged at these continual injustices and decided that enough was enough. People within and beyond the walls of the bar began to riot. Their vigor and intensity forced the police to retreat from the crowd and lock themselves inside of the Stonewall Inn. Unluckily for them, this soon backfired, quite literally, when the rioters set the bar on fire.
These passion-filled riots would fill the streets until July 1st. And while some would chastise the violence of these riots, many would then refute by recognizing the continual brutality and unjust treatment of the gay community. Recognition would soon grow into an entire liberation movement. This movement would, in-turn, lead into the formation of the Gay Liberation Front, which was the first group to publicly advocate for equal gay rights.
The legacy of this riot continues into the modern day of what is now known as “Pride Month” (June). Every year on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Pride Parades are held throughout the nation to celebrate the LGBTQ+ social and self acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. And in the present day of June 2020, we think back to these riots with even more appreciation. As Black Lives Matter protests still sweep the nation, many think back to the women of color who played a pivotal role in the history of LGBTQ+ rights. Marsha P Johnson and Slyvia Rivera were the two trans women of color who led the legendary Stonewall riots and championed the cause for equality. Their bravery is remembered once again as a powerful moment in American history.
