The Forgotten Origins of Pride Month

The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in Manhattan, which was reopened by a mobster named Fat Tony in March 1967.Credit...Larry Morris/The New York Times

They supposedly bribed the police to overlook the ongoings in the club. Free from police intervention the family was now free to reduce expenses as they saw fit. Due to this, the club lacked essentials such as a fire escape and running water to clean glasses, however, didn’t suffer from watered-down beverages. Additionally, the crime family may have blackmailed more affluent customers of the bar who desired to keep their sexual orientation private.

However despite all this Stonewall Inn grew in popularity, rising to become a significant Greenwich Village attraction very quickly. It was reasonably priced and spacious, and perhaps the only homosexual bar at the time that permitted dancing. It served as a nightly resting place for homeless and runaway LGBTQ+ youth and drag queens who faced torment and hostility at other gay bars and clubs.

On the morning of June 28th, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was at the center of a series of riots, following a surprise police raid. Corrupt police officers would often inform the crime families if a raid were to take place, giving them time to stash illegal substances or unlicensed alcohol, but this wasn't the case on this particular day. The police invaded with the permission of a warrant, and on the finding of alcohol arrested 13 individuals, including employees.

Customers and locals chose to remain outside the bar instead of leaving, fed up with the police harassment and general social injustice. As the events transpired and people were being violently treated all around them, their agitation only grew. The final straw was when a lesbian was harmed by an officer while being pushed into the police van, after which she demanded bystanders intervene, prompting them to start throwing small objects such as coins and cobblestones at the officers. A full-fledged riot involving hundreds broke out in minutes, causing the police to barricade themselves within the bar while the mob attempted to break in and even tried to light it on fire.

The Stonewall Riots remembered by someone who was there, Mark Segal 

Ultimately, the fire brigade managed to put out the fire, save the people inside Stonewall, and scatter the crowd. Nevertheless, the demonstrations went on continuously for 5 more days, at times managing to draw thousands of participants.

The Stonewall Riots catalyzed LGBTQIA political activism and gave rise to the number of organisations advocating for gay rights.

On the first anniversary, June 28th, 1970, people took to the streets of Manhatten, marching from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park. Dubbed “Christopher Street Liberation Day”, this was America’s first gay pride parade. The official chant was: “Say it loud, gay is proud.”

Former President Barack Obama declared Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and its adjacent sidewalks and streets an official monument in 2016 in recognition of the area’s commitment to LGBTQIA rights.

Ever since we have celebrated Pride month in June, to honor and pay tribute to the tedious and continuous fight for LGBTQIA rights and equality. This month is costumized specifically to this cause, but it is an incredibly important thing to consider all year long. No matter how you identify, you should always feel comfortable to unapologetically be 100% yourself.