Ask any young gay where the modern LGBT movement began, and it’s likely they’ll answer “Stonewall.” The Stonewall Riot, a two day period of rioting after a police raid at a gay bar in 1969, is often hailed as the genesis of sexuality and gender liberation in America. However, ask any LGBT historian the same question, and their answer might be much more complex. Although within the modern LGBT community Stonewall is considered the turning point toward true equality, both socially and politically, some historians argue that it was only one event within the context of a bigger picture. The Stonewall Riot was perceived as a turning point within the LGBT community toward equality, but this perception was ahead of both the heterosexual world and
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Because of the illegality of homosexuality and crossdressing, police raids were often expected. Typically, the bartenders were tipped off about the officers’ visit, and bar-goers were able to prepare for and avoid arrest. However, on June 28, 1969, police entered the New York bar in plainclothes unexpectedly and began a raid. Those in feminine clothing were taken to the bathroom to have their genitals checked by a female officer and the others were lined up and asked to show identification. Thirteen people were arrested and brought outside. As one woman was pushed into a paddywagon by an officer, she cried out to onlookers, “Why don’t you guys do something?” People began to throw rocks and coins at the bar’s windows, trash cans were set on fire, and policemen were even locked in the bar. The next night, a crowd of hundreds returned to the Inn to continue the riot. The crowds included young homeless gay men, drag queens, and curious tourists. Although after four a.m. that second night, the rioting technically ended, its legacy has lasted …show more content…
Prior to Stonewall, there were gay organizations, the most significant of which being the Mattachine Society. The generation that led groups like the Mattachine was very moderate; they used pseudonyms when discussing their sexuality, they were never confrontational with opponents, and they never began riots or organized large events. After Stonewall, which was led primarily by young adults, the president of the Mattachine Society, Dick Leitsch, said that he “knew that Stonewall had created a movement.” He wanted to organize a silent vigil in response, but young activists rejected his proposal as passive, which marked the first true shift in power. In a New York Times article published in 1970, the author discusses the perspective of the older leaders on the first Pride Parade, commemorating Stonewall’s anniversary. He says, “some are openly hostile, contending that the young people are ‘rocking the boat’ and making it harder for homosexuals to exist.” Despite of their grievances, younger activists continued to “rock the boat.” Slowly but surely, older societies lost power and faded into the background. For many LGBT activists of the time period, both young and old, this was a very significant change, which led to the common mindset within the community that Stonewall had been a momentous turning
Because of the illegality of homosexuality and crossdressing, police raids were often expected. Typically, the bartenders were tipped off about the officers’ visit, and bar-goers were able to prepare for and avoid arrest. However, on June 28, 1969, police entered the New York bar in plainclothes unexpectedly and began a raid. Those in feminine clothing were taken to the bathroom to have their genitals checked by a female officer and the others were lined up and asked to show identification. Thirteen people were arrested and brought outside. As one woman was pushed into a paddywagon by an officer, she cried out to onlookers, “Why don’t you guys do something?” People began to throw rocks and coins at the bar’s windows, trash cans were set on fire, and policemen were even locked in the bar. The next night, a crowd of hundreds returned to the Inn to continue the riot. The crowds included young homeless gay men, drag queens, and curious tourists. Although after four a.m. that second night, the rioting technically ended, its legacy has lasted …show more content…
Prior to Stonewall, there were gay organizations, the most significant of which being the Mattachine Society. The generation that led groups like the Mattachine was very moderate; they used pseudonyms when discussing their sexuality, they were never confrontational with opponents, and they never began riots or organized large events. After Stonewall, which was led primarily by young adults, the president of the Mattachine Society, Dick Leitsch, said that he “knew that Stonewall had created a movement.” He wanted to organize a silent vigil in response, but young activists rejected his proposal as passive, which marked the first true shift in power. In a New York Times article published in 1970, the author discusses the perspective of the older leaders on the first Pride Parade, commemorating Stonewall’s anniversary. He says, “some are openly hostile, contending that the young people are ‘rocking the boat’ and making it harder for homosexuals to exist.” Despite of their grievances, younger activists continued to “rock the boat.” Slowly but surely, older societies lost power and faded into the background. For many LGBT activists of the time period, both young and old, this was a very significant change, which led to the common mindset within the community that Stonewall had been a momentous turning