Stonewall Uprising (2010)
Running Time: 1hr 46mins
During the summer of 1969, the New York City Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn and history was made. Stonewall Uprising is a documentary that includes personal accounts and narratives of the events that led up to the Stonewall riots.
Located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, The Stonewall Inn was somewhat of a safe haven for members of the gay community. For the price of some watered-down drinks, The Stonewall Inn was a place where people found comfort with others who were just like them. Gays, lesbians, and drag queens could be themselves without having to endure criticism and adhere to all the societal rules.
NYPD officers had been ordered to clean up the streets of New York City by putting the gay bars in Greenwich Village out of business. It was the second time in a week that The Stonewall Inn was raided. Because the gay community was not known to be hostile or threatening, the raid on the night of June 28, 1969 was expected to be another quick and easy victory for the police department.
Years of oppression, ridicule, and anger had built up, resulting in the refusal of the patrons of The Stonewall Inn to quietly comply with the demands of the officers. Enough was enough and the community finally took a much needed stand against The NYPD. The tables had turned and it was now the officers who were scared and almost helpless as they lacked the manpower to stop the mayhem and turmoil that ensued. The commotion and fighting continued for days, resulting in injuries, wreckage, and the complete destruction of The Stonewall Inn. But as the chaos increased, so did the support for the gay community. Over the course of three nights of rioting and disorder, thousands of people protested against the NYPD and championed for the gay community.
Despite the devastation that took place during the riots at The Stonewall Inn, that memorable event led to significant progress in the gay rights movement and was the foundation for the annual Gay Pride March & Parade that occurs annually in New York City. I would Absolutely recommend Stonewall Uprising. It is important for people to have a better understanding and appreciation for all those who fought in the battle of the Stonewall riots.
