Waverly Place—which intersects with Christopher Street—was just another spot in Manhattan, New York City until the night of June 28, 1969. The Stonewall Inn, located at 51-53 Christopher Street, became the epicenter of a monumental event in LGBTQ+ history: the Stonewall Riots.
The Scene
In the 1960s, LGBTQ+ people faced severe discrimination. Bars like the Stonewall Inn were among the few places where they could socialize openly. However, these establishments were often subject to police raids. The Mafia, which owned the Stonewall Inn, would bribe police to avoid frequent raids, but on June 28, the police showed up without warning.
The Riots Begin
A routine raid turned chaotic when patrons resisted arrest. According to legend, a woman (sometimes identified as Stormé DeLarverie) was hit by a police officer, prompting her to shout to the crowd, "Why don’t you guys do something?" This sparked the crowd into action. For six days, protests and clashes continued. The participants included a diverse group, notably Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who later became key figures in the gay liberation movement.
Hidden Facts and Trivia
- The Stonewall Inn was originally a "tea room" (a euphemism for a gay bar) before being turned into a nightclub and restaurant.
- The Mafia's involvement was practical; they saw an opportunity to make money off a marginalized community. They would water down drinks and blackmail wealthy patrons.
- The term "Pride" for LGBTQ+ parades and events originated from the organization Pride Week, which commemorated the first anniversary of the riots.
- After the riots, the Gay Liberation Front was formed, aiming for radical social change beyond just LGBTQ+ rights.
- The first Christopher Street Liberation Day march took place on June 28, 1970, marking the anniversary of the riots and is considered the first Pride Parade.
- In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn and surrounding area as the Stonewall National Monument, making it the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.
Cultural Impact
The Stonewall Riots didn't just ignite a movement; they symbolized a broader struggle for human rights. They influenced the formation of multiple LGBTQ+ advocacy groups worldwide, leading to significant social and legal advancements. The event is often cited as the catalyst for the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights, making 100-132 Waverly Place, woven into the fabric of the Stonewall narrative, a historical landmark.
This pivotal moment in history transformed a modest bar into a symbol of resistance and gave rise to the annual Pride celebrations we see today.