How are people remembering Stonewall across social media?
BY RACHEL BADHAM. IMAGE DANIELLE MUSTARDE
Pride month is an essential part of the fight for LGBTQI equality, and this year, Pride is more important than ever as 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary since the Stonewall riots in 1969 – and today, on the 28th June – it is exactly 50 years since.
The famous riots at The Stonewall Inn were a backlash to police brutality against the queer community, sparked by an impromptu raid of the Inn in New York City, which was one of the only “safe” spaces available to much of the local LGBTQI population at the time.
Notable figures involved in the riots include Marsha P. Johnson, Stormé DeLarverie, and drag queen, Sylvia Ray Rivera.
A year later, the first “Gay Pride” marches took place in multiple cities across the US, and since then, Pride has become a global phenomenon.
This year, we are commemorating those who fought for queer liberation in 1969, and recognising the vital role that they played in the longterm battle for equality.
Throughout Pride month this year, many public figures – including celebrities and politicians – have taken to social media to voice their appreciation for the work done by those who were involved in the riots.
This morning, Brighton based Green Party politician Caroline Lucas tweeted about the importance of the riots and the Stonewall Foundation UK:
Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, also joined the conversation:
British LGBTQI activist Peter Tatchell took to twitter to share this video about the events of the Stonewall riots, urging people to continue fighting for queer equality:
Birmingham Pride are just one of many other Pride organisations across the UK and the world who tweeted about their appreciation of the many who took part in the riots in order to combat the injustices that the LGBTQI+ community faced:
US political activist and writer Stacey Abrams shared her message about Pride month and the Stonewall riots:
Openly bisexual singer and LGBTQI icon and activist Lady Gaga gave a moving speech at The Apollo Theatre in New York City where she discussed the importance of the riots, saying that they marked the moment, “when our community said ‘enough is enough’’’.
Outspoken LGBTQI ally Taylor Swift showed her support for the queer community, once more, and paid her respects to those who fought police violence in 1969 by giving a surprise performance at the Stonewall Inn:
How will you celebrate today? Let us know by tweeting @DIVAmagazine
Only reading DIVA online? You’re missing out. For more news, reviews and commentary, check out the latest issue. It’s pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
