"The Stonewall Riots" took place at 129 MacDougal St, Manhattan, New York, United States, specifically at the Stonewall Inn. This site wasn't always the legendary LGBTQ+ landmark it is today. Let's dive into some fun, lesser-known facts and trivia about this pivotal moment in history!
A Bit of Background
The Stonewall Inn was originally constructed as stable in the 1840s. Fast forward to the 1930s, it was converted into a bakery, and by the 1960s, it was a restaurant. In 1966, it reopened as a gay bar, which was quite an audacious move given the era's stringent laws against homosexuality.
The Riots
The Stonewall Riots began in the early hours of June 28, 1969. The New York City Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, a common occurrence at the time due to the illegal status of gay bars. However, this raid was different. Instead of dispersing, patrons of the bar fought back.
Trivia and Hidden Facts
The Mafia Connection: The bar was actually owned by the Genovese crime family. They saw the gay bar as a lucrative business opportunity and often bribed the police to avoid frequent raids, although this didn't always work.
Judy Garland's Influence: Some historians believe the recent death of actress Judy Garland (a gay icon) contributed to the heightened emotions and resistance during the riots. Her funeral had taken place just a few days before, and many mourners were still grieving.
The First Night: The initial clash saw police barricaded inside the bar as protestors threw coins, bottles, and even a parking meter at the establishment. The police eventually called in the Tactical Patrol Force to quell the uprising.
The Role of Drag Queens: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were prominent figures in the riots. Johnson, a black drag queen and activist, is often credited with throwing the first brick (or shot glass, depending on the account) which ignited the riot.
The Morning After: After the first night, word spread quickly. By the next evening, the crowd had grown significantly. The protests continued for several nights, drawing a diverse group of participants, including activists, drag queens, and local residents.
Christopher Street Liberation Day: On June 28, 1970, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day was held to commemorate the anniversary of the riots. This event is considered the first Gay Pride march in U.S. history.
Impact and Legacy
LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: The Stonewall Riots are widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. Before Stonewall, there were already groups advocating for gay rights, but Stonewall galvanized the community and brought unprecedented visibility to the cause.
The Stonewall Inn Today: In 2000, the Stonewall Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark. In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall National Monument, the first U.S. National Monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.
Cultural References: The events have been referenced in countless books, films, and songs. For instance, the 1995 film Stonewall and the 2015 film of the same name both depict the riots, albeit with varying degrees of historical accuracy.
Annual Celebrations: Today, Pride events are celebrated worldwide, with New York City Pride being one of the largest. These events not only honor the legacy of the Stonewall Riots but also continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights globally.
Fun Facts
The Role of the Media: The riots were not widely covered in the mainstream media at the time. However, local press like the Village Voice provided detailed accounts, which helped to spread the word.
A Diverse Crowd: The Stonewall Riots were notable for the diversity of the participants. It wasn't just gay men; lesbians, transgender individuals, drag queens, and even straight allies were part of the resistance.
Spontaneous Combustion: The riots were largely spontaneous. There was no premeditated plan to resist the police raid; it was a collective moment of frustration and anger reaching a boiling point.
Key Figures
Stormé DeLarverie: Often referred to as the "Rosa Parks of the gay community," DeLarverie was a butch lesbian whose scuffle with the police is said to have incited the crowd's anger.
Craig Rodwell: A gay rights activist and bookstore owner, Rodwell was instrumental in organizing the first Pride march and was a vocal critic of the mafia's involvement in gay bars.
Dick Leitsch: As the president of the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay rights organizations, Leitsch played a crucial role in documenting the events of the riots.
The Stonewall Riots were a seminal moment in LGBTQ+ history, sparking a movement that continues to fight for equality and justice. From its Mafia-run beginnings to its status as a National Monument, the Stonewall Inn remains a symbol of resilience and pride.