Episode 53: Queer Resistance: Before Stonewall

CW: Homophobia, Transphobia, Violence, Police Brutality, Anti-Sex Work Attitudes / Discussions of Survival Sex Work, Death

In 1969, there was the infamous riot that kicked off the fight for gay rights. In 2016, the Stonewall Inn was declared a National Monument. But Stonewall was not the first, nor the only, riot for gay rights. Nearly lost to history, overshadowed or under reported, the fight raged just under the surface, boiling up at these key moments that led to the Stonewall Riot. Pride originated not from one brick, not from one riot, not from one person. Pride comes from a long history of struggle— and here we talk about just a few instances of what has slipped under the radar.

Let’s just begin with some further reading about LGBTQIA+ actions in the U.S. before Stonewall ever happened.

Before Stonewall

Also some further reading is this list of defining moments in the history of Pride.

Key Moments

And this article just touches on the intersectionality of being Black and Queer during June when both Juneteenth and Pride month are both happening.

Black & Queer

Here is the Cooper Donuts’ history page on their own website which can tell you the history of the family that owns the donut shop as well as show some fun pictures and some history of the riot.

Cooper Donuts

This one gives you some info about the night that happened at Cooper Donuts outside of the Cooper page with some awesome pictures.

Cooper Context

From the LA Public Library, this is a brief overview of the Compton Cafeteria Riot, which is the second event we covered in this episode.

Compton Cafeteria

This one includes an interview with one of the Queens who frequented the Cafeteria during the time when the riot happened!

Comptons Interview

This is the Library of Congress page about the Stonewall Riot. It includes sections about the before Stonewall times, the uprising, and things that came after.

Stonewall, lots of History

This includes a lot of links for you to explore if you want to. This includes things like why the mafia owned the bar, historical newspaper clips and videos, interviews, and more. CW: if you read or watch any of the historical stuff, you might encounter offensive stuff.

Historical Documents

This is some further reading on LGBTQIA+ rights all over the world after Stonewall.

Queer Rights Since Stonewall

This link will take you to a bio of Marsha P. Johnson and some great photos of her!

Marsha P. Johnson

And here you’ll find the biography of Sylvia Rivera.

Sylvia Rivera

And finally, here’s the bio for Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.

Miss Major