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Police hid inside the bar for 45 minutes while the crowd grew outside. Lesbian patron Stormé DeLarverie reportedly threw one of the first punches, which contributed to the escalation of the mob. But the patrol wagons responsible for transporting arrested patrons and confiscated alcohol took longer than expected to arrive.Ī crowd of patrons who were released, along with bystanders, grew outside. Lights on the dance floor flashed, signaling the arrival of five police officers to join the four undercover officers already on the dance floor. Photo by Jerry Engel/New York Post Archives /(c) NYP Holdings, Inc. This picture not only exemplifies their cause and reasoning for marching, but their candid unity and togetherness that otherwise would have been inexistent (First Gay Pride Parade).Spontaneous demonstrations at New York City's Stonewall Inn by members of the LGBT community were sparked by a police raid during the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. Although to those who discriminate against homosexuals, it certainly is a term that has a negative connotation.
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This thought-provoking sign says that “homosexual” is a word that should not be considered offensive or frowned upon in any way. One man is holding a picket sign that reads “Homosexual is not a four letter word” (First Gay Pride Parade). Numerous participants are pictured sitting together in Central Park, peacefully assembling, somewhat ironically, on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. One photograph on display (pictured above) was taken at the march on June 28th, 1970. This portion of the exhibit will include pictures, videos, and much more from the event, as well as relevant documents related to the organization of the march between homophile societies. Unlike today’s raucous celebrations and gatherings involving elaborate floats, loud music, and a range of -sometimes flamboyant- attire, this march was a simple gathering of unified individuals with a purpose (Hall). “The masses of people kept carrying signs and banners, chanting and waving to surprised onlookers” (Sargeant). According to attendee Fred Sargeant, the parade was “filled with a new energy and hope.” The parade exhibited pride and confidence, and many participants were no longer hiding behind the fear of punishment for who they are. The march took place in Central Park and extended through Manhattan. “Over 800 groups emerged” from these model homophile organizations, and were involved in the planning and implementation of Stonewall’s anniversary march (Hall). The GLF was one of the leading organizers of the Gay Liberation Day, along with the Gay Activists Alliance and the Mattachine Society. One activist group that led this tradition was the Gay Liberation Front, or the GLF, an organization established in 1969 that led to the creation of more and more groups. Up until Stonewall, there were no riots, parades, or protests that actually sparked the unity and togetherness of the gay community the riots marked the tradition involving “raucous celebrations to demonstrate the strength and new pride of the gay community” (Hall).
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During the “Annual Reminder” in Philadelphia, “silent vigils” outside of Liberty Hall were meant to be “unthreatening,” but were ineffective and assisted their progress as so-called activists minimally (Sargeant).
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In the past, the gay community would picket silently and “politely,” with absolutely no room for emphasis on their cry for rights or struggle for equality. The first-ever gay pride march was organized by “more than a dozen gay organizations” for months prior to the event (Sargeant). On June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots, thousands traveled to New York City to mark the anniversary of this famous day in gay rights history.