Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

By khushikoli

  • Homosexuality, a taboo

    Homosexuality is largely considered taboo, and LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination, harassment, and police raids on gay bars.

  • Formation of LGBTQ organizations

    LGBTQ+ activists and organizations start to form in major cities, advocating for basic rights and decriminalization of homosexuality.

  • Police raids leading to riots

    The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, is raided by police, leading to a confrontation between patrons and law enforcement.
    LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people, drag queens, and homeless youth, resist the police raid and subsequent arrests, sparking several nights of protests and clashes with law enforcement.
    Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, and Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transgender activist, emerge as prominent figures during the riots.

  • First pride parade

    The first Pride parades are held in various cities, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
    LGBTQ+ activists emphasize the importance of "coming out" to challenge societal stereotypes and prejudices.

  • Removal of homosexuality as mental disorder from DSM

    The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

  • LGBTQ+ activists working against discrimination and raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS

    LGBTQ+ activists work to combat discrimination and raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affects the community.
    Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) form to address LGBTQ+ and AIDS-related issues.

  • Defense of Marriage Act

    President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as between a man and a woman for federal purposes.
    LGBTQ+ activists and allies start pushing for marriage equality and equal rights recognition.

  • Sodomy laws

    The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down sodomy laws in Lawrence v. Texas, decriminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity across the country.

  • "Don't Ask, Don't Tell,"

    "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the military policy that prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving, is repealed.

  • Legalization of same sex marriage

    Landmark Supreme Court decision legalizes same-sex marriage across the United States, a historic victory for LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Federal law passed protecting LGBTQ employees

    The Supreme Court rules that federal law protects LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • LGBTQ representation

    Advances in LGBTQ+ representation are seen across various industries, promoting increased visibility and understanding while advocating for further legal protections.