9 Things You Should Know About the Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Riots were a pivotal turning point for the LGBTQ movement in American history. The riots paved the way for Pride parades and events throughout the world. In 2019, New York City hosted World Pride as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Rising, an event that attracted more than 5 million people.
In the late 1960s, homosexuality was illegal in New York City
The New York City Police Department regularly raided gay bars in an effort to clean up the streets of Manhattan
The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, was an LGBTQ hang out, primarily attracting gay men and drag queens
On June 28, 1969, NYPD officers raided the Stonewall Inn for the second time that week, igniting the infamous three-day uprising known as the Stonewall Riots
Expecting another easy victory against the LGBTQ community, officers were caught off guard when fed-up patrons refused to submit to the officers' demands, but instead started fighting back
Thousands of people supported the LGBTQ community and protested against the NYPD
As a result of the riots, many people were injured and there was significant damage to the Stonewall Inn
Exactly one year after the riots, a protest demonstration that began with approximately 100 marchers quickly grew to thousands of participants and supporters
Occuring on June 28, 1970, NYC's first annual Gay Pride March & Parade was also known as Christopher Street Liberation Day
