A 40-Year Memory: Stonewall
June 28 - The Stonewall riots in New York City mark the start of the modern gay rights movement in the U.S.
A gay friend of mine moved to New York a week or so after the Stonewall riots. The changes he described to me in attitudes among gay men following Stonewall were amazing. All of a sudden they were willing not to just cower and take it. They fought back. gay rights became an issue. The movie Milk last year gave us a glimpse of those changes in progress.
The issue is still going on, of course. It has taken a number of different directions and issues. Many are still controversial, even when seemingly so clear- hospital visitation rights by a partner being one that seems like a no-brainer, but is not automatic, for example. Another is the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy that gets 18-year decorated military men discharged because someone asked or told.
The emotions generated on both sides are powerful. In a free country I wonder why we can't allow hope and companionship and support to be determined by the individuals.
Today, the location of the original Stonewall Inn is a National Historic Monument
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