They were vocal and righteous all through the 1970s, educating the government and the public about their experiences. These early demonstrations were a political statement that inspired the thousands of events now celebrated globally! The uprising also gave way for new collaborative gay rights coalitions to form - and these groups put in the work to demand real, actionable change within their communities and their government.
Many folks were afraid of attending and outing themselves, which would put them in danger. But it was not smooth sailing - their events were met with anti-gay counter-protests and backlash every time. The anniversary event was a pro-gay-rights protest and show for gay pride. In addition, in 2019, the 50th anniversary of the uprising, the New York police department commissioner issued a public apology.
In 2016, the Stonewall Inn and the surrounding areas were officially registered as a national monument under the Barack Obama administration.
