I had heard of the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village but to be perfectly honest it wasn’t until today that I did some reading about it after learning that today was the 40th anniversary.
The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. They are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when people in the homosexual community fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted sexual minorities, and they have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
By the looks of it the Stonewall Inn is now a bar (or should I say is still a bar) and you can click here to visit their website.
Although attitudes towards homosexuality has come a long way I don’t think this attitude is held by the majority of people just yet. Take Proposition 8 which was a voter initiative to change the Californian Constitution to remove/change the text “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Personally, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to uphold such a belief in these modern times BUT 7,000,000 Californian’s said with their vote that gay couples shouldn’t be allowed to get married.
Keeping this in context as well – I think California is one of the more open minded places on the planet and for more than 52% of voter to have that option I’m sure the numbers would look worse in somewhere like Northern Australia, Southern New Zealand, the US Midwest or anywhere in the middle east.
Sorry for the ramble guys – I don’t normally post about politics or gay rights but I suppose this is a thanks to those who had the courage to stand up for what is right back in 1969.
6 Users Responded in " Stonewall Riots "
Hi Dave,
I read your blog regularly and reckon your Stonewall post was one of the best you’ve made.
The Stonewall in New York is still a bar, I was there when I was over there in February. It’s a good spot.
It is amazing as you say, that nearly a majority of people still think it’s right to give gay couples the same rights that are extended to the rest of the population. Australia has made some ground with things like acess to superannuation but we are still behind where we should you.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment mate.
Cheers.
Of course I meant to say almost the majority of people believe it’s right NOT to give the same right to gay couples …
I was at Stonewall only this March. Hopping place, and the memorial right across the street is awesome, too.
Too bad we’re still fighting for some basic rights, you know? But the tide is turning! Times DO change! The world hasn’t come to an end yet in Vermont, Iowa, Massachusetts, et al.
Thanks for everything you do, Dave.
It’s crazy to think it’s been that long, and yet certain battles are still being fought…
I took some exchange students from Oxford through the Village one time when I lived in New York, and we had a quick stop at the Stonewall. I would like to go back there sometime and see it properly…
I’m happy that Pride celebrations exist, but I’m also saddened by how over-commercialized they’ve become. There is lots of talk about “gay community” and the like, but can people be bothered to be civil toward one another, to be accepting toward one another, to even smile and be friendly toward one another? Not always, unfortunately, and certainly not at actual Pride events in some of my experience. Alas…
But, there are still good things in the world. Speedo lovers of all stripes, sexualities, and political persuasions can find some places in the world (virtual or otherwise!) where we can unite and be civil toward one another, and we have you to thank for that, Dave! So, thank you very much indeed!
Their fight and sacrifice made it possible for us to be more open about our sexuality. They made it possible for us even to write about what we do, to describe the act of screwing a guy, of sucking him off. At one time, even mutual wanking was illegal and in some states in the US punishable by castration.
As a result of their courage we are freer. Good on them. And thank you.
But the battle is far from over. The loony rabid right still wants us dead (though they always say they have nothing against homosexuals themselves just the homosexual lifestyle.) And in Iran they still hang ppl for being gay.
So when we give thanks, let’s not give up. Keep up the struggle.
Nigel,
Well put mate.
Dave
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