Gay men and women in the 1970’s was faced with discrimination. To be gay was illegal in just about every state and was seen as a mental disorder. Same sex couples did not receive the same treatment and opportunities as those of opposite sex. This movement came about in the 1950’s known as the homophile movement which contained groups like Mattachine Society. They demanded respect and equal rights for all people no matter what sexuality they were attracted to or defined as. One right that was gained through the homophile movement was constraints on police harassment. The Stonewall Riot occurred in 1969 where the Greenwich village saw a turning point for their community (LGBT). Police raided the bar that was a gathering place for homosexuals
