129 MacDougal St in Manhattan, New York, was the epicenter of a seismic shift in LGBTQ+ rights, thanks to the Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising. This iconic event took place at the Stonewall Inn, a modest gay bar frequented by a diverse clientele, from drag queens and transgender individuals to young homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
The story begins on the fateful night of June 28, 1969. It was a time when being openly gay was criminalized, and police raids on gay bars were common. However, something different happened this time. As the police conducted yet another raid, the patrons decided enough was enough. A spontaneous rebellion ensued, sparking several days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. This marked the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Trivia Tidbits and Hidden Facts
1. The Mafia Connection
Believe it or not, the Stonewall Inn was owned by the Mafia. The Genovese crime family operated the bar, seeing it as a lucrative business. They bribed the police to look the other way and provided a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community—albeit at a price.
2. The Catalyst
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, both prominent transgender activists, are often credited with playing pivotal roles during the riots. However, it's worth noting that the first person to resist arrest was a lesbian named Stormé DeLarverie, who is said to have thrown the first punch, igniting the crowd.
3. The Media Blackout
Mainstream media largely ignored the riots. The New York Times had a tiny article buried on page 33, titled "Village Raid Stirs Melee at Bar; 4 Policemen Hurt." It was the underground gay press and word of mouth that spread the news far and wide.
4. The Role of Judy Garland
Some believe that the riots were partly fueled by the grief over the death of Judy Garland on June 22, 1969. Garland was an iconic figure in the gay community, and her death added an emotional charge to an already volatile atmosphere.
5. The Shift in Tactics
Before Stonewall, LGBTQ+ activism was more subdued. Groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis advocated for change through polite, lawful demonstrations. Post-Stonewall, the movement became more confrontational and visible, leading to the formation of groups like the Gay Liberation Front and ACT UP.
6. The First Pride Parade
One year after the riots, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride parade took place. It was called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March and marked the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The parade stretched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park, and it was the first of its kind to be openly and proudly LGBTQ+.
7. The Stonewall's Landmark Status
In 1999, the Stonewall Inn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2016, President Barack Obama designated it a national monument. This was a significant recognition of its importance in American history and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
8. Misconceptions and Myths
One common misconception is that the riots were the first instance of LGBTQ+ resistance. Before Stonewall, there were events like the Cooper Do-nuts Riot in Los Angeles in 1959 and the Compton's Cafeteria Riot in San Francisco in 1966. Stonewall, however, had a broader impact and greater visibility.
9. The Diverse Crowd
The Stonewall Inn attracted a wide range of people, making it unique. It was one of the few places where different segments of the LGBTQ+ community could mingle. This diversity was crucial in the collective resistance during the riots.
10. The Riots’ Cultural Impact
The Stonewall Riots have been immortalized in various forms of media, from documentaries like “Stonewall Uprising” to movies like “Stonewall” and “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson”. These works have helped educate and inspire new generations about the pivotal event.
Fun Facts
- The Stonewall Inn didn’t have a liquor license, and drinks were often served in dirty glasses. Patrons didn’t mind; it was one of the few places they could be themselves.
- The bar had a sign that read “This is a raided premises,” which they would hang up after police raids to warn patrons.
- The name “Stonewall” doesn’t have any particular significance to the LGBTQ+ community; it was simply the name of the bar when the Mafia took it over.
The Stonewall Riots were more than just a local disturbance; they were a catalyst for a global movement. The events at 129 MacDougal St transformed a quiet bar into a symbol of resistance and liberation, forever changing the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights.