There had been instances of powerful pushback and protests regarding gay rights prior to the events that unfolded over the course of several days at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in June 1969. Yet, the episode at the welcoming spot for New York City’s underground gay community did more to galvanize the LGBTQ collective call for equal civil rights and protection than any action that had preceded it. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the uprising this June, we recall the impact of that watershed moment. Police raids on gay bars were commonplace in the late ‘60s and included identification checks as well as sex verification. However, what happened at the Stonewall Inn in response to an early morning detention on Saturday, June 28 was unexpected. Patrons refused to show ID or submit to go with officers to undress, which had long been the practice. Tension between patrons and police rose as the standoff ensued, with participants reporting assaults by patrolmen. People placed under arrest waited for wagons to pick them up – homosexuality was a crime. Customers not under arrest were released but, instead of exiting quickly and quietly as expected, they gathered outside and attracted a crowd, which grew exponentially in little time. Gay, lesbian and transgender men and women fought back in a series of demonstrations and riots that would continue for several days. Stonewall made people, long hiding in the shadows, visible and a public community formed. Stonewall inspired members of that community to stand up to police during subsequent raids until they stopped. Stonewall brought gay rights to mainstream America. Stonewall marked the start of affirming human sexuality as healthy and natural. And from the pain of Stonewall emerged 50 years of Pride.

PRIDE EVENTS:

 

WHAT: STREET THEATER BY DORIC WILSON

The play centers on a panorama of people who turned the events of Stonewall on June 28, 1969 into a decisive moment in gay history.

WHERE: Hudson River Museum, Yonkers

WHEN: June 1, 6-9pm

 

WHAT: WESTCHESTER PRIDE FESTIVAL

An official WorldPride Event, the White Plains day of activities celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

WHERE: Downtown White Plains

WHEN: June 2, 12-5pm

 

WHAT: RUNWAY WALKING WORKSHOP WITH TWIGGY PUCCI GARCON

A conversation about the history of runway in the New York ball scene precedes this workshop led by FX Pose choreographer, LGBTQ youth rights advocate and runway icon Twiggy Pucci Garcon.

WHERE: ArtsWestchester, White Plains

WHEN: June 2, 1-2:45pm

 

WHAT: TRANSMILITARY FILM SCREENING

The documentary chronicles four transgender members of the U.S. military.

WHERE: Ossining Public Library

WHEN: June 6, 6:30pm

 

WHAT: THE RAINBOW CONNECTION: THE COLORS OF PRIDE ART EXHIBITION

Curated by Angelique Piwinski and Luis Perelman, this multi-medium show seeks to illustrate all expressions of the LGBTQ experience.

WHERE: Blue Door Art Center, Yonkers

WHEN: June 7-July 8, Thurs & Fri: 3-6pm; Sat: 1-5pm

 

WHAT: YONKERS PRIDE FESTIVAL

The outdoor event showcases celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities and numerous community organizations.

WHERE: Main Street, Yonkers

WHEN: June 7 and 8, 2-8pm

 

WHAT: PEEKSKILL PRIDE NIGHT OUT

Comic Julia Scotti headlines this party, which includes food, drinks, dancing and more.

WHERE: Dramatic Hall, Peekskill

WHEN: June 14, 7:30pm

 

WHAT: CASA VALENTINA BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN

This staged reading tells the story of men who dressed as women in the summer of 1962 in the Catskills.

WHERE: Veterans’ Memorial Building, Harrison

WHEN: June 14 and 15, 8pm

 

WHAT: NEW ROCHELLE PRIDE SUNSET CRUISE

This evening boat ride promises food, drink, entertainment and great views of Manhattan.

WHERE: Departs Neptune Park, New Rochelle

WHEN: June 22, 6:30pm

 

WHAT: TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR

A one-time-only screening of this comedy film about three New York City drag queens who embark on a road trip will include a pre-screening party with special guests Miss Frank and Kiki Lucia.

WHERE: Bedford Playhouse, Bedford

For more information on all these and more Pride events, visit artsw.org.

A version of this article first appeared in the June issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.