On July 28th 1969 what we know as 'LGBTQ+' changed immensely. This was the day that the LGBTQ+ community had enough of the oppression, hate and discrimination they were getting. They decided there and then they were going to fight for freedom and equality.
The Stonewall Inn, in Greenwich Village, New York, used to be a place where members of the LGBTQ+ community found each other and refuge. It became a popular gay bar in 1966 which frequently got raided by the police due to the illegality of being LGBT. This happened until one occasion... The beginning of the Stonewall Riots.
Very early on the 28th June a group of police officers came to the bar and shouted "Police! We're taking the place". That was it and everyone began to panic. Although it isn't very clear what actually started the riot, or rather who, it is clear that the police began to round up individuals to then arrest them and take them to their vehicles. When something didn't go to plan and one, quoted "butch lesbian", potentially Stormé DeLarverie, was being escorted to the police truck, she supposedly shouted "Why don't you guys do something?" The fire had been lit, everyone decided to work together to fight back. A transgender women, reported as Marsha P. Johnson, was pushed by a police officer but she stood up for herself and hit him back with her handbag. Boom. There was no going back and everyone let out their anger. Stonewall protests changed history that day.
The police knew they were outnumbered and every time they tried to restrain or physically assault someone more and more outrage would erupt. People who had already been arrested and were in the trucks escaped and members of the protests retrieved bricks from nearby to throw at their enemies. The police involved ended up retreating or being chased for blocks by rioters. They were humiliated. They were heard saying, "the sissies were never meant to fight back", but they definitely did. In total, 4 hours later, 13 people were arrested, 4 were in hospital and many police were hurt. Stonewall Inn was a wreck. This was only the beginning.
For 6 days there were protests, media coverage (which had never happened before) and a plead for equality. The discussion grew and everyone was hearing about it. It was violent but without noise no one can hear you. The aim of the riots was to get LGBTQ+ liberation and safety within the law to stop discrimination.
Don't be mistaken though. It wasn't all rainbows and love straight away. For months afterwards arrests in LGBTQ+ areas were made. It didn't stop.
Then on June 28th 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots, the first ever Pride event took place in New York City. It started a wave, more and more people got involved, many other states showed their pride too. This is why Stonewall was so different to anything else before. It ignited a force throughout many different states and countries. It sparked a rebellion and need for change.
As of 2019, 28 countries recognise same-sex marriage. In 1967, homosexual acts were legalised in the UK although it wasn't until 2003 that it was legal to be LGBTQ+ in the USA. In 2010 the Equality Act was set in the UK making it illegal to show discrimination towards someone based on sexuality, gender, race, religion and class etc. Plus, as of two days ago, the USA declared it is illegal to discriminate LGBTQ+ indidvuals in the workplace. We still have a long way to go. All thanks to Stonewall. Change is still happening.
We are where we are today because of all of the amazing, brave and proud people that decided they were worth more. They were worth being who they wanted to be. They were tired of hiding. I can now marry who I want to and that is a privilege.
Keep making noise if you want change. Your voice is power.
I say thank you.
Everyone should know the story of Stonewall.
To this day you can go and visit a new Stonewall Inn LGBTQ+ bar. You can also get involved with the Stonewall charities which fight to help members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rainbow Talk
Read my previous blog post about why we celebrate BLM within the LGBTQ+ community. Many reasons link back to Stonewall.
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