The Stonewall Inn was located in Greenwich Village, New York City, New York. The 20th century was not a great time for those of the LGBTQ+ community. Many places would not allow gays or cross-dressers into their establishments, but the Stonewall Inn was a safe-space for drag queens and even those who became homeless because they weren't accepted for who they were. 

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 (far left) Rivera and Johnson protesting for gay rights 

MARSHA P. JOHNSON

"Pay it No Mind"

Marsha P. Johnson identified as a drag queen and an activist for LGBTQ+/Black LGBTQ+ rights. She was an entertainer and she also survived many events that she fought in. Her name was “BLACK Marsha '' before going by Marsha P. Johnson. The P as her middle initial means “Pay it No Mind”, which is what she replies to those who ask about her gender identity or sexuality. She is now a big name in LGBTQ+ history because of what she did for human rights.

SYLVIA RIVERA

Sylvia Rivera was transgender woman who fought for the members of the LGBTQ+ community’s rights, especially those of color. Sylvia walked along trail Marsha, and they fought in the revolution. She worked for and with many organizations to help the LGBTQ+ community. She helped children at just the age of 19. She fought her whole life until she died from liver cancer at the age of 50.

“My god, the revolution is here. The revolution is finally here!"

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Stonewall Inn welcomed members of the LGBTQ+ community no matter how they looked or acted. The gay bar let patrons bring their own bottles of alcohol to drink. The bar did not have a license to sell liquor, which was illegal, but the owner of Stonewall Inn bribed the New York City Police Department to disregard the fact. On the other hand, the Police in New York city thought that the way that the patrons dressed and the way they acted were not appropriate. The police entered the bar and talked about how it did not possess a liquor license, but soon the police roughed up some of the guests. The police disrespected the members because of the way they looked and acted because the officers thought that it was not acceptable in society, and that they should be punished for being the way they are. 

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Protesters trying to get past the police because they were riled up from the homophobia and disrespect from the officers. 

The riots started because the patrons and others were riled up about the homophobia and transphobia that the NYPD had towards them, this caused police brutality against the protesters. A police officer hit a lesbian over the head while arresting her, she asked and rioters started to throw items at the officer. Some did not make a move toward the police, but others did and the NYPD did not let it slide. Members of the LGBTQ+ community fought for their rights to live and be respected.