What Really Happened at the Riots?

The Stonewall riots, which occurred at the Stonewall Inn in New York City 55 years ago, are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern queer rights movement. However, there were previous LGBTQ+ uprisings, such as those at Cooper's Donuts in Los Angeles in 1959 and the Black Cat Bar in L.A. in 1967. Eyewitness reports describe how plainclothes officers entered the Stonewall Inn and closed it down, leading to a gathering of patrons and residents outside. The events at Stonewall have been surrounded by myths, including the idea that the riots were sparked by the death of Judy Garland or the throwing of a "first brick." The legacy of Stonewall lives on through Pride parades and festivals held in June, and it serves as a reminder of the power of collective action. [Extracted from the article]