What is the significance of the Stonewall Riots?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Events in the United States (including marches, parades, festivals, rallies, and other events) commemorate the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Riots were the first time that gays (specifically, gay men and women, drag queens, and street people) fought back physically against police harassment and entrapment. Up until the late 1960’s, routine raids of New York City’s gay and lesbian bars were frequent — with same-sex couples being routinely arrested for dancing together, kissing or showing other signs of affection. Individuals were also arrested for wearing clothing of the opposite sex – considered “unlawful” by the police. The Stonewall Riots (named after the Stonewall Inn, the Greenwich Village gay bar outside of which they took place) occurred on June 27, 28, and 29, 1969. The riots were three nights of violent street protests and arrests involving over 300 gay people who finally grew tired of all the verbal slurs, unfounded arrests and beat
