Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall riots of New York City at the Stonewall Inn.
Hail Stonewall!!!
This event was an outcry from the Gay community, primarily Black and Latinx Trans women, gays and Drag Queens who were constantly experiencing harassment and violence from cops.
At the time New York refused to grant licensing to bars who served gays, which allowed police to enter the Stonewall Inn, which was a hub for Queers, and arrest 13 people. The community stood up to the cops on this night by throwing bricks. This led to 6 days of protesting. Marsha P Johnson is forever Hailed for her essential role in the riots and her ongoing activism for all of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Along with Sylvia Rivera, who was an activists with the Black liberation movement, and Black activist- Miss Major Griffin Macy. These activists were making change before and after Stonewall too, all advocating and fighting for the rights of Trans, houseless, incarcerated beings and for sex workers and people living with HIV/AIDS. Just like today, these BIPOC activists did SO much to pave the way for rights, but then were denied them.
This is the where Pride comes from! A riot!
Marsha also spoke about pride often and not being ashamed of who you are. Visibility was a part of the protests.
Pride month honours Stonewall.
“No Pride for some, without liberation for all of us”- Marsha P Johnson
There are many interpretations of Stonewall.
This is only mine through a lot of years of learning and listening. Please do your own also.
While many use this month as an opportunity to celebrate, it’s vital to honour its history.
Some Movie Suggestions:
The Satanic Temple Alberta 