From Stonewall to Canada: The Legacy of LGBTQ+ Resistance and Pride

August 19, 2024 / Unity and Pride Network/ by Garrick Pattenden

The Stonewall Riots, which erupted in the early hours of June 28, 1969, in New York City, are widely recognized as a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. These riots served as a catalyst, igniting a global fight for equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. To truly understand the significance of the Stonewall Riots, it is essential to explore the historical context, the events of that night, and the lasting impact that has shaped the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in both the United States and Canada.

The roots of LGBTQ+ oppression in America extend back to the early 18th century, when colonial laws began criminalizing same-sex relationships. The 1714 sodomy laws marked the beginning of widespread persecution, rendering LGBTQ+ people as societal and legal outcasts. Despite these harsh realities, LGBTQ+ individuals have always played significant roles in American history, even though their identities were often concealed.

Figures such as Baron Friedrich Von Steuben and Casimir Pulaski, who were instrumental in the American Revolution, contributed greatly to the nation’s founding. Yet, the society they helped shape was steeped in homophobia and discrimination against people like them. For nearly two centuries, LGBTQ+ individuals endured legal penalties, social ostracism, and violence, with persecution intensifying in the 20th century, particularly during and after World War II.

The end of World War II in 1945 marked a new chapter for LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom returned home only to face ostracization. The widespread rejection led to the formation of "Gayborhoods," or LGBTQ+ enclaves, where people could live openly and build supportive communities. These neighborhoods became sanctuaries where LGBTQ+ individuals could express their identities more freely.

However, these communities were not immune to police harassment and societal discrimination. Despite offering relative safety, Gayborhoods were frequently targeted for police raids, where LGBTQ+ individuals could be arrested simply for who they were. These spaces were a direct response to mainstream society’s rejection, providing essential support and solidarity but remaining under constant threat from law enforcement.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Mafia recognized an opportunity to exploit the marginalized LGBTQ+ community by establishing bars and clubs in Gayborhoods, such as the now-famous Stonewall Inn. These venues became crucial gathering spots, offering LGBTQ+ individuals rare spaces for socialization, self-expression, and community.

Driven by profit rather than altruism, the Mafia often charged high prices for drinks and food, knowing LGBTQ+ patrons had few alternatives. While they attempted to protect these spaces through bribery, police raids were still common. The Mafia’s involvement was complex, providing a mix of exploitation and a semblance of safety for the LGBTQ+ community.

Before the Stonewall Riots, there were several instances of LGBTQ+ individuals resisting police harassment. The first recorded act of defiance occurred in 1955 at the Pepper Hill Club in Baltimore, Maryland, where patrons resisted police arrests. Although 162 people were arrested, this event marked the beginning of a new chapter of resistance within the LGBTQ+ community.

Similar incidents followed, including those at Hazel’s Inn in Sharp Park, California (1956), Coopers Do-Nuts in Los Angeles, California (1959), Black Night Brawl in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1961), and Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco, California (1966). These events reflected a growing frustration and a readiness to fight back against systemic oppression, laying the groundwork for the Stonewall Riots.

The Stonewall Riots: A Night of Resistance

The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, was a popular spot for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly drag queens, transgender people, and homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Despite the Mafia’s efforts to protect the bar through bribery, police raids were still a frequent occurrence.

On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided again, even though it had already been targeted earlier that week. But this time, the patrons and the broader LGBTQ+ community decided to resist. As police began making arrests, a confrontation erupted, quickly escalating into a full-scale riot.

Despite the widespread narratives that have emerged over the years, it's important to clarify certain aspects of the events. One of the most persistent myths surrounding the Stonewall Riots is the claim that a brick was thrown, often considered a symbolic act of resistance. However, after consulting with an expert from the NYPD, it was confirmed that no definitive proof exists in the official reports to support the claim that bricks were used during the riots. Instead, small stones, pebbles, and rocks may have been involved, but the exact nature of what was thrown remains uncertain. This ambiguity has led to various interpretations and myths, which have become ingrained in the popular memory of Stonewall. Additionally, while the narrative connecting Judy Garland's death to the riots has been popularized in certain circles, it is largely considered a myth, with little historical evidence to support a direct link between the two events.

The crowd outside the Stonewall Inn grew rapidly, with more people joining the resistance each night. The riots, which lasted several days, were marked by a strong sense of defiance and solidarity among the LGBTQ+ community. This was not a single event but a series of confrontations that underscored the community’s refusal to be marginalized any longer.

Craig Rodwell, a gay rights organizer, played a key role in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots. Recognizing the significance of the events, he and his partner, Fred Sargeant, contacted various media outlets, though mainstream newspapers showed little interest. The Village Voice, an alternative publication, provided crucial coverage that helped raise awareness of the riots and the broader LGBTQ+ struggle.

In the days following the riots, Craig and Fred organized a peaceful protest outside the Stonewall Inn, distributing thousands of leaflets condemning both the police and the Mafia. Their activism helped galvanize the LGBTQ+ community and draw attention to the systemic oppression they faced.

The Birth of Pride: Commemorating the Struggle

In the wake of the Stonewall Riots, activists like Craig Rodwell, Fred Sargeant, Ellen Broidy, and Linda Rhodes sought to ensure that the momentum generated would not be lost. In November 1969, they proposed an annual event to commemorate the riots, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day on June 28, 1970. This event featured the first Pride march, which laid the foundation for similar celebrations worldwide.

As the LGBTQ+ community moved to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, it became clear that the events of that night had taken on a life of their own in the public imagination. Myths and symbols, such as the idea of the first brick thrown or the influence of Judy Garland's death, became intertwined with the factual narrative. While these stories may not be entirely accurate, they underscore the deep emotional resonance and symbolic significance that Stonewall holds for many.

Pride celebrations quickly expanded to other cities, growing into a global movement that serves as both a celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and a platform for continued activism. The legacy of Stonewall continues to inspire, reminding the world of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

The Lasting Impact of the Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots sparked significant legal and social advancements in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The riots inspired the formation of groups like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), which played crucial roles in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Key legal victories, such as the 2003 Supreme Court ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, which decriminalized same-sex relationships, and the 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage, can trace their roots back to the spirit of resistance demonstrated at Stonewall.

The Stonewall National Monument: A Tribute to the Struggle

In recognition of the Stonewall Riots' significance, President Barack Obama designated Christopher Park as a national monument on June 24, 2016. This designation made Stonewall the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring that the history and legacy of the riots would be preserved for future generations.

The adjacent building is being renovated to serve as a museum dedicated to telling the story of the Stonewall Riots, with an expected opening in June 2024. This museum will offer visitors a chance to learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the significance of Stonewall in that struggle.

The Canadian Connection: Moments of Resistance in Canada

While Canada did not experience an event exactly like the Stonewall Riots, the country has had its own critical moments of LGBTQ+ resistance that played an essential role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

The Toronto Bathhouse Raids (1981)

On February 5, 1981, Toronto Police conducted simultaneous raids on four gay bathhouses, arresting over 300 men in what became known as "Operation Soap." The raids sparked widespread outrage within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to one of the largest demonstrations in Canadian history. These events, often compared to the Stonewall Riots, were a turning point for LGBTQ+ activism in Canada.

The raids were a stark reminder of the pervasive discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, reflecting a broader global trend of police harassment and persecution. The response from the community was swift and powerful, with thousands of people taking to the streets to protest the raids. The "Bathhouse Raids Protests" galvanized the LGBTQ+ community in Toronto, leading to increased political organization and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The protests also drew significant media attention, helping to raise public awareness of the systemic discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada.

The Vancouver Pride Parade Origins (1978)

Another significant event in Canadian LGBTQ+ history is the origin of the Vancouver Pride Parade, which traces back to a protest in 1978. This protest was organized by the Gay Alliance Toward Equality (GATE) in response to the rejection of an application to use city facilities for a gay picnic. GATE organized a march to protest the city's decision and to demand equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

This march is considered the precursor to the annual Vancouver Pride Parade, which has since grown into one of the largest Pride events in Canada. The 1978 protest was one of the first public demonstrations for LGBTQ+ rights in Vancouver and played a key role in the city's LGBTQ+ activism. The event highlighted the growing visibility and organization of the LGBTQ+ community in Vancouver, as well as the broader struggle for equality and recognition.

The Brunswick Four Incident (1974)

The Brunswick Four incident, which took place in Toronto in 1974, is another important moment in Canadian LGBTQ+ history. The incident occurred when four lesbians were forcibly removed from the Brunswick House, a popular Toronto tavern, for singing a parody song with lesbian lyrics. When they protested their ejection, they were arrested by the police and charged with causing a disturbance.

The subsequent trial and media coverage brought significant attention to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada. The Brunswick Four became symbols of resistance against police harassment and the broader societal discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. The incident is often cited as a key moment in the development of the Canadian LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly in its early years.

The impact of the Brunswick Four incident extended beyond the immediate legal and social consequences, as it helped to galvanize the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada and inspired a new generation of activists. The incident also highlighted the importance of solidarity and collective action in the face of oppression, as the women involved received significant support from the broader LGBTQ+ community and allies.

The Emergence of LGBTQ+ Rights Activism in Canada

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, LGBTQ+ activism in Canada grew in response to various forms of discrimination, including police harassment, legal challenges, and social ostracism. The LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada was shaped by several significant events, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1969, which was partly inspired by global movements like Stonewall.

The decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada marked a significant turning point in the country's legal and social landscape, as it signaled a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, this legal change did not eliminate discrimination or prejudice, and LGBTQ+ activists continued to fight for equality in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and access to services.

Activists in Canada were influenced by the Stonewall Riots and the broader civil rights movements occurring around the world. They organized protests, formed advocacy groups, and worked to challenge discriminatory laws and practices. The events in Canada, while different in context, shared a similar spirit of resistance and the demand for equality and recognition.

Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Resistance and Resilience

The Stonewall Riots were a defining moment in LGBTQ+ history, marking the beginning of a new era of activism and legal advancements. The riots' legacy continues to inspire LGBTQ+ activists and allies around the world, serving as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is ongoing.

Canada, with its own moments of resistance, has played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. The Toronto Bathhouse Raids, the origins of Vancouver’s Pride Parade, and the Brunswick Four incident are key milestones that continue to inspire the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in Canada and beyond.

The spirit of resistance that fueled the Stonewall Riots lives on, reminding us that the pursuit of equality and justice is a continuous and collective effort. The global impact of the Stonewall Riots and the subsequent rise of Pride celebrations have fostered a sense of solidarity among LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, reinforcing the idea that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is a shared struggle that transcends borders.

As we reflect on the significance of Stonewall and its legacy, it is crucial to recognize the progress that has been made, while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging in the face of changing social and political landscapes.

In Canada, the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance is evident in the ongoing efforts to address issues such as discrimination, hate crimes, and access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals. These efforts are informed by the history of activism and resistance that has shaped the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada, as well as by the global influence of events like the Stonewall Riots.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue building on the progress that has been made, while also remaining vigilant in the face of ongoing challenges. The legacy of Stonewall, and the broader history of LGBTQ+ resistance, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, solidarity, and collective action in the fight for equality and justice.

In conclusion, the legacy of the Stonewall Riots and the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement is one of resistance, resilience, and hope. It is a legacy that continues to inspire and guide the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, not only in the United States and Canada but around the world. As we celebrate Pride and reflect on the history of LGBTQ+ resistance, let us remember the courage and determination of those who came before us, and let us continue to fight for a world where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equality.