Welcome to Pride Month! Week 1: LGBT History - learn about Marsha P Johnson
Every week in June we will be learning something about LGBT History.
Pride month was originated to commemorate the Stonewall Riot on June 28, 1969.
Like today’s protests, the riot was a protest against police intrusion and violence against queer people.
Pride is not just about parades and celebration. It is a continuation of protest against violent policing and CIS/Heteronormativity.
Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson (left above) was a Black trans activist who was a prominent figure in NYC Greenwich Village. She was involved in inciting the Stonewall uprising and gay liberation movement.
She was protesting and fighting for her life.
In the early morning of June 28th, 1969, eight officers from the New York City’s Public Morals Division, a unit of the police department, raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. This raid wasn’t unusual in New York (or many other cities). Back then, the Public Morals Division enforced all laws for vice and gambling, including prostitution, narcotics and homosexuality. Cops could arrest and even force hospitalization of gay people.
On this particular evening, however, the bar patrons fought back. It started when Marsha P. Johnson cried “I got my civil rights!” and threw a shot glass into a mirror (now known as "the Shot Glass that was Heard Around the World"). More and more patrons joined the fight, including people from neighboring bars, and mayhem ensued. Hundreds of people resisted arrest and fought against police oppression. Rioters broke windows, set cars on fire and injured three police officers. The police ended up barricading themselves inside the Stonewall Inn. New York City’s Tactical Patrol Force intervened, but even they were run out of the neighborhood by the rioters. Things eventually calmed down. But once the word got out about the riots, thousands returned the next night to continue the protest. The protest lasted six days.
Consider Donating to Black LGBT Funds, if you are able
It is Pride month, but don’t let that distract you from continuing to protest. Here are some black LGBT funds to donate to if you are able: