As historian Lillian Faderman has written, Stonewall was “the shot heard round the world…crucial because it sounded the rally for the movement.” The Long-Term Impact of Stonewall The events during that six-day period are considered a major turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with a large number of groups forming around the country over the following years.
Violence spread through Greenwich Village over the next several days, with order finally being restored on July 3rd. Unfortunately, police raids on gay bars were routine during that time in history, but on this day, the patrons fought back. In the early morning hours of June 28th, 1969, New York City police officers raided a gay bar on Christopher Street called the Stonewall Inn. Keep reading below to learn about the roots of this historic event and how you can celebrate virtually this year. However, there are still ways to celebrate NYC Pride. But with COVID-19 still a major health concern, the in-person events have been canceled to keep all participants safe. The NYC Pride Parade is one of the biggest parts of NYC Pride, along with the Rally, PrideFest, and Pride Island events.
NYC Pride, however, officially grew from the June 1969 riots that launched a movement for the LGBTQ+ rights that is still in motion today.
But it’s more than just fun events and parties - there are lectures, rallies, cultural learnings, and support dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. New York City Pride has been celebrated during the month of June for over 50 years and is one of the largest annual Pride marches in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants and even more spectators.