Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Gay Rights

Thats the StonewallThe Stonewall InnPay attentionHistory walks through that doorIn being gay in the United States was a criminal offense It meant living a closeted life or surviving on the fringes of society People went to jail lost jobs and were disowned by their families for being gay Most doctors considered homosexuality a mental illness There were few safe havens The Stonewall Inn a Mafia-run filthy overpriced bar in New York Citys Greenwich Village was one of themPolice raids on gay bars happened regularly in this era But one hot June night when cops pounded on the door of the Stonewall almost nothing went as planned Tensions were high The crowd refused to go away Anger and frustration boiled overThe raid became a riotThe riot became a catalystThe catalyst triggered an explosive demand for gay rightsAnn Bausums riveting exploration of the Stonewall Riots and the national Gay Rights movement that followed is eye-opening unflinching and inspiring.