On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Riots erupted in New York City, marking a turning point in LGBTQ+ history. The uprising began when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. Such raids were common during that era, as LGBTQ+ individuals were regularly harassed and discriminated against by law enforcement. However, on that fateful night, the patrons of Stonewall decided to resist.
The spontaneous rebellion, led primarily by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, continued for several days, drawing in hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. The riots were not only a response to police brutality but also a broader stand against the systemic oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Stonewall is often regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring the establishment of numerous advocacy organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and eventually leading to the annual tradition of Pride parades.