Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots, a series of New York City protests with significant trans participation, began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. The riots erupted after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar with clientele that included crossdressers, drag queens, street queens, transvestites, and transsexuals. During the uprising, which lasted until July 3, thousands of trans, cis, lesbian, gay, [Page 803]bisexual, queer, and straight people fought back against police persecution, business exploitation, and social condemnation. In the aftermath of the riots, the LGBT movement mobilized, diversified, and radicalized. In subsequent years, the rebellion was commemorated around the world with pride marches and parades. The riots are generally understood as a turning point in LGBTQIA+ history and an iconic moment in struggles ...