Question

Describe the Stonewall Riots? Why are the Stonewall Riots a defining moment in our understanding of modern gay America? How does George Chauncey’s research complicate this understanding?

for college sociology

Answer 1

The Stonewall Riots were mass demonstrations that took place on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, in New York. This was the first time in U.S. history that homosexuals and other members of the LGBT community resisted the government’s persecution of sexual minorities. This event is considered the beginning of the fight for the rights of sexual minorities.

According to historians, before the riots, homosexuals were invisible, ignored and often persecuted. Following the Stonewall events, public attitudes towards sexual minorities began to change rapidly. Over the years, many organizations fighting for gay rights have been established in the U.S. and around the world. Nowadays, gay marches are held annually at the end of June in various parts of the world.