The riots not only gave power back to queer individuals but abolished a culture that spelled shame and anonymity. Within weeks, the Gay Liberation Front was established among numerous gay activist organizations that demanded equal rights. The crowd at the Inn was incited to riot when tensions between the police and gay residents escalated. Because of its reputation, police raids were frequent during the 1960’s. The riots were named after the Stonewall Inn located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, an establishment that welcomed an array of marginalized groups: drag queens, transgenders, male prostitutes, effeminate men and lesbians.
It catapulted the gay liberation movement into a global revolution, and the demonstrations represent the foundation upon which the battle for LGBTQ rights in the United States were cemented. Burgeoning LGBTQ social movements have persisted since the 1870’s, but the single most pivotal moment is recognized to be the Stonewall riots.
Largely considered a deviant lifestyle choice throughout history, those who have identified gay, lesbian, transgender or otherwise have been ostracized, rejected and scorned.
