Pride Month, a Brief History
Picture a world where the legislature
punishes acts “against the laws of nature”.
Rules on the books, enforced from time to time,
to bust queer gatherings when there was no crime.
Resistance flared during a raid at the Stonewall Inn
batons swung that night, men were dragged in.
People rose and chanted: “This is no sin!”
Next year they paraded with their new kin.
Inclusion was put forth by Presidential decree,
to promote understanding of the community.
Pride, not a month but a human right,
to be true to one’s self in broad daylight.
Dignity lifts heads, makes us proud,
it’s the feeling of acceptance in a crowd.
Mankind has woven an enduring race,
longing to love and freely embrace.
Each June blooms now in a rainbow of hues,
inspiring artwork which speaks and moves.
A colorful exhibit of jubilant glee,
pride on display to set the mind free.
“Thirty years ago this month, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, gay and lesbian Americans fought back against harassment and hatred, catalyzing a movement that has brought their community far along the road to equality and respect. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate our diversity and promote a greater understanding of the contributions of our gay and lesbian citizens.”
President Bill Clinton
At the time, New City York gay and lesbian clubs were operated by the mafia and paid
protection money to the local police. Owned by the Genovese crime family, the Stonewall Inn
was a filthy cash cow. Drinks were watered-down, glasses were dirty, toilets often overflowed.
The June 28, 1969 raid that sparked the Stonewall riots was reportedly unannounced, possibly because
it was led by a federal task force or a different precinct, bypassing the usual bribes.
The law against homosexuality was ruled unconstitutional by the New York Court of Appeals in 1980
and in 2000, it was repealed by the New York Legislature.
protection money to the local police. Owned by the Genovese crime family, the Stonewall Inn
was a filthy cash cow. Drinks were watered-down, glasses were dirty, toilets often overflowed.
The June 28, 1969 raid that sparked the Stonewall riots was reportedly unannounced, possibly because
it was led by a federal task force or a different precinct, bypassing the usual bribes.
The law against homosexuality was ruled unconstitutional by the New York Court of Appeals in 1980
and in 2000, it was repealed by the New York Legislature.