The Stonewall Uprising, otherwise known as the Stonewall Riots, was a monumental progression towards gay rights in the mid-20^th century. The uprising began on June 28^th, 1969 and lasted until July 3^rd, 1969. The riots began when Stonewall Inn, a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community which still stands in Greenwich Village, New York City, was invaded by police officers who harassed and arrested patrons and employees. This was not the first offense, and onlookers usually fled the scene, but this time, they didn’t. The witnesses chose to stand up to the officers, during a time of strict oppression and cruelty towards the LGBTQ+ community. Coincidentally, the Civil Rights Movement had erupted in the previous decade, and the Stonewall Riots are another example of how humans who deserve rights and respect fought for that.

During the mid-19^th century, there were restrictive laws for the LGBTQ+ community. It was illegal to serve alcohol to them, and for people of the same sex to dance with each other. But with restrictions and oppression, follows uprising and a demand for freedom and rights. Illinois was the first state to decriminalize homosexuality, which happened in 1962. After the Stonewall Uprising, the first gay pride parade was held in New York where thousands marched to commemorate the historical and monumental event. Shortly after, June became “Pride Month”, and several large pride parades still occur in areas all around the world.

Works cited

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Stonewall Riots.” Edited by Amy Tikkanen, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/event/Stonewall-riots.

Kelly, Bob. “The Birthplace.” The Stonewall Inn, The Stonewall Inn, 5 Dec. 2017, https://thestonewallinnnyc.com/the-stonewall-inn-story/2017/4/4/ntmsg5ni....

“Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/stonewall-milestone....