Stonewall Riots

About

The Stonewall Riots were a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, occurring on June 28, 1969, in New York City's Greenwich Village. The event began as a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, where patrons resisted arrest and harassment. This marked a turning point from passive acceptance to active resistance against ongoing police harassment and social discrimination. The riots involved clashes between protesters and police, with debris thrown and property damaged. The uprising lasted for several days, galvanizing the LGBTQ+ community to unite against systemic oppression. The Stonewall Riots catalyzed a new wave of activism, inspiring the formation of groups like the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance. These organizations demanded civil rights and challenged societal norms through public demonstrations and confrontations. The event's legacy extends beyond the U.S., influencing global LGBTQ+ movements. In 2016, the site was designated a national monument, and in 2019, the NYPD apologized for their actions during the riots. The annual Pride parades, held worldwide, commemorate the Stonewall Uprising as a symbol of resistance and solidarity in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.