The events at the Stonewall Inn in June 1969 are a pivotal point in American history, frequently encountered within the context of Advanced Placement United States History curricula. These disturbances, stemming from a police raid on a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village, marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Prior to this event, homosexual acts were criminalized in most states, and LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination and social stigma.
The significance of the event lies in its transformation of the gay rights movement. What began as a spontaneous reaction to police brutality quickly evolved into organized activism. The riots galvanized LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, leading to the formation of numerous advocacy groups and political organizations dedicated to achieving equal rights. This period witnessed the emergence of a more assertive and visible LGBTQ+ community demanding social and political change.