The Legacy of the Stonewall Riots
Not even in the comfort of each others’ company could the LGBTQ+ community find safety in the 20th century. Laws enforced by authorities brought down what little dignity they had left. Even as organizations for gay rights were established before Stonewall, they could not compensate for the endless brutality, harassment, and discrimination faced daily. It was only a matter of time until an uprising would occur, and so began the intervention that would make history.
During the 60s, sexual relations between same sex couples were forbidden in every state except Illinois. LGBT folks were condemned from expressing themselves and their queer relationships. Gay couples could not kiss, dance, or hold hands without being ostracized and criminal punishment. And in their desperation, the crime syndicates of New York found income.
The mafia profited off serving a queer clientele that no other business would take in, one of which would be the Stonewall Inn, used as a gay bar. The establishment was large and cheap, welcoming homeless gay runaways and drag queens shunned from gay bars. It was also one of the few, possibly only, gay bars around to permit the luxury of dancing. However, while the community had a place of congregation, it was the bare minimum.
Safety was unconcerned as the bar lacked a fire exit, running water to wash glasses, and functioning sanitized toilets. Even more, wealthier patrons of the club were reportedly blackmailed by the Mafia to keep their sexualities secret. But standards were low for LGBT individuals as laws denied them the simple pleasures granted to their heterosexual peers. Nonetheless, they partook in the only space willing to accommodate them, although the police tried everything in their power to take it down.
Police raids were common, but the Mafia often bribed officers to halt their intrusion. However, this was not the case on the morning of June 28th when police entered the Stonewall Inn. Patrons were beaten, 13 of which were arrested on behalf of engaging in homosexual behavior or violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute.
Club members were infuriated by their harassment and social discrimination, which they joined with neighborhood residents outside of the bar. As the sides clashed and abuse carried on, a riot began in minutes. That inside barricaded themselves, including the police, several prisoners, and a journalist. The mob responded by setting fire to the building after breaching the barricade repeatedly.
The fire department eventually doused the flames, rescued those inside the bar, and dispersed the crowd. But the protests did not rest for five days after the events, sometimes garnering thousands of supporters. And in some ways, the fighting did not end at all.
The Stonewall uprising held a stark significance to the gay rights movement, encouraging LGBT political activism and a list of gay rights organizations. Some include the Gay Liberation Front, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), and PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). The legacy of Stonewall became a milestone of LGBTQ+ history, celebrated by thousands on its first anniversary. That day of June 28, 1970, people marched from Manhattan to Central Park in what is now America’s first pride parade.
The events on Christopher street may not have begun the gay rights movement, but they did inspire generations of strides made for gay acceptance. Queer individuals today are allowed equal marriage and a more tolerant society in homage to the organizations and protests that followed Stonewall. Even so, efforts to end hatred against the community are still alive as the march for total acceptance continues.
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