Library of Congress calls the Stonewall Riots a “tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement” in the U.S. However, on June 28, 1969, pressure mounted to the point of full-scale rioting that resulted in several injuries and arrests. Police started putting pressure on patrons and workers by harassing those inside and outside the establishment. LGBTQT individuals thought of Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn as a safe gathering place to socialize, have a drink and meet new friends. The aftermath of the riots likely contributed to the desire of LGBTQ individuals and their supporters to bring about awareness of the discrimination and poor treatment suffered by the LGBTQ community. The Stonewall Riots sparked outrage among the LGBTQ community and supporters. Pride Parades Time-line: 1969 Stonewall Riots And Aftermath This week Ira Riklis shares more about the events that led to the first gay pride parades in America. The first gay pride parades arose out of ongoing harassment from police and others, aimed towards LGBT individuals.
