As we kick off LGBTQ+ History Month, we begin by honoring one of the most pivotal moments in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights—the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, a routine police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular LGBTQ+ bar in New York City, sparked six days of protests that would forever change the course of history.
At the time, police raids on LGBTQ+ spaces were all too common. People were harassed, discriminated against, and forced to live in the shadows. But on that night, the community had enough. Instead of backing down, they chose to resist. What followed was a powerful show of solidarity and defiance, with LGBTQ+ people standing together to say, “No more.”
Those six days of protest marked the beginning of a new era—one in which the LGBTQ+ community would no longer remain silent in the face of oppression. The Stonewall Uprising is widely regarded as the event that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring activism and change on a global scale.
Out of the energy and determination born from Stonewall came groups like the Gay Liberation Front, a radical organization that fought not only for LGBTQ+ rights but also for equality across all marginalized communities.
The Gay Liberation Front challenged systems of oppression, including racism and sexism, and paved the way for Pride as we know it today—celebrating who we are, unapologetically.
Stonewall reminds us that real change comes from courage, community, and a refusal to accept injustice. It was a turning point in our history, but the fight for equality and justice continues to this day. The resilience and strength that started at Stonewall continues to inspire and share our movement.
As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, let us remember the bravery of those who came before us and the importance of standing together as a community.
Stonewall reminds us that real change comes from courage, community, and a refusal to accept injustice. It was a turning point in our history, but the fight for equality and justice continues to this day. The resilience and strength that started at Stonewall continues to inspire and shape our movement.
As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, let us remember the bravery of those who came before us and the importance of standing together as a community.
Stay proud. Keep making history.
