Pride and the Influence of the Stonewall Riots

The uprising has left a memorable mark on the history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender folk, and other queer people (LGBTQ+) but it was not the first, nor will it be the last, act of resistance for the LGBTQ+ community. Currently, 30 countries in the world regard same-sex marriage as legal. The Stonewall Riots took place on 28 June 1969.

As of 2015, all 50 states in the USA have legalized the marriage of a same-sex couple.

In the United States, these riots can be credited as being the turning point for the gay liberation movement and the struggle for LGBTQ+ riots in the twentieth century.

During the mid 1900s, mob-run pubs were the only safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. These were often the victim of police visits which resulted in the arrest of staff and customers. This is the case for the events of the Stonewall Riots. The outrage that took place at The Stonewall Inn was a reaction to the breach of a space considered seemingly secure by young, gay people.

Although it was not the first form of gay rights activism, it most definitely stands out as being a rather influential one due to the large infuriation it caused amongst those that supported the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Moreover, it has only been in more recent times that people of colour (POC) and transgender folk have been recognized for their crucial role in the Stonewall Riots.

Concerning the Stonewall riots, the lack of credit provided to the transgender community and the POC involved up until recently, takes away from the other liberation following the riots.

It is not fair to tribute recognition of liberation to the riots if it only liberated a select few – white members of the community.

The present shame attributed to the LGBTQ+ communities in some black-traditional as well as the lack of recognition credited to transgender and black people for their contributions to the riots is disappointing.

Furthermore, it is clear that the Stonewall riots influenced other forms of liberation in America and other parts of the world.

This is one example of this would be the pride march which occurred one year following the Stonewall riots which celebrated the successes of the protesters.

Yearly following that first event, people gather to celebrate their pride. It is thanks to the sacrifices made by those before us that we can walk proudly today.

Happy Pride y'all!