28 June 1969
Stonewall Riots
Activism Cultural International
A spontaneous uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, led in part by trans women of colour including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, catalysed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The multi-day protests against a police raid galvanised activists worldwide and led directly to the formation of liberation organisations across the globe.
Impact & Significance
The Stonewall Riots catalysed the formation of activist organisations worldwide and established Pride marches as an enduring tradition. Their legacy continues to inspire LGBTQ+ communities across the globe in the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity.
Reference Record
- Date
- 28 June 1969
- Era
- 1950-1969
- Sources
- 1
Editorially reviewed — reviewed · last reviewed 2026-09-19.
Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q How did Pride marches begin? Pride marches began as public protest and commemoration after Stonewall, then spread through liberation movements that used visibility, solidarity and celebration as political tools. Q Which LGBTQ+ public figures changed visibility? They changed visibility in politics, science, activism and literature by showing that queer lives could be public, influential and historic.
Related Events
1964 North Western Homosexual Law Reform Committee Founded 1970 First Gay Rights Demonstration in the UK 1970 Christopher Street Liberation Day 1978 Design of the Pride Flag 1977 Harvey Milk Elected — America's First Openly Gay City Official 1970 Sylvia Rivera Co-Founds STAR — Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries 1970 Brenda Howard — The 'Mother of Pride' Organises First Pride March
