The Stonewall You Know Is a Myth. And That’s O.K. | NYT Celebrating Pride

Summary

The Stonewall riots are often attributed to figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie, but the true catalyst remains debated. This discussion delves into myths and facts about Stonewall, highlighting its role in sparking the gay liberation movement. The narrative emphasizes the importance of accurate historical representation while acknowledging the complex, messy nature of LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the Stonewall story is about reclaiming and celebrating diverse identities, even amidst differing versions of events.

Takeaways

• 🏳️‍🌈 The Stonewall Riots are often attributed to the first brick thrown, but the actual initiator remains unknown, with several figures, including Stormé DeLarverie, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera, being mentioned.
• 🌈 The narrative that a drag queen threw a brick at a police officer out of grief for Judy Garland's death is a myth; the connection between Garland's funeral and the riots is largely dismissed by historians and witnesses.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of accurate historical representation, especially regarding the contributions of trans and queer people of color, such as Johnson and Rivera, to the LGBTQ+ movement.
• 🗽 Stonewall was not the beginning of the gay rights movement but a significant catalyst for the Gay Liberation Front and the establishment of Pride parades.
• 🤔 The term 'riot' is debated; some witnesses describe the event as more of a rebellion or uprising rather than a violent riot, highlighting the community's resistance to oppression.
• 🍻 The Stonewall Inn was not an idyllic safe haven but rather a rundown, Mafia-run bar that was not particularly beloved among the queer community.
• 💃 The script challenges the romanticized version of the riots, including the myth of a Rockettes-style kickline facing down the police, which was likely a humorous exaggeration.
• 🤷‍♀️ The identity of the person who may have thrown the first object (brick, stone, or otherwise) at Stonewall is uncertain and may never be definitively known.
• 🏳️‍🌈‍👤 The script points out the ongoing struggle with transphobia and racism within the LGBTQ+ community, noting that historical narratives can perpetuate or challenge these issues.
• 📖 The importance of telling a truthful history is underscored, as it affects how the LGBTQ+ community's struggles and achievements are understood and respected today.
• 🎉 The Stonewall Riots are celebrated as a moment of reclaiming narratives and standing up against societal pressures, with the riots representing a collective resistance rather than the actions of a single individual.

Q & A

Who is often credited with throwing the first brick at Stonewall, and why is this a point of contention?

Stormé DeLarverie, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera are often mentioned, but the script points out that there is no conclusive proof about who exactly threw the first brick, if anyone did. The confusion arises due to varying accounts and the passage of time.

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