The Stonewall Uprising

51 years ago in the early hours of 28 June 1969, in a Manhattan bar known as Stonewall Inn, a group of LGBT people decided to stand up to police harassment. The event sparked a global rights movement and half a century on we pay tribute to those whose actions have changed the course of LGBTIQ+ rights around the world including Australia.

The Stonewall riots weren’t the first time that LGBT+ people stood up against police abuse — before New York, there was a riot at other venues in Los Angeles and in San Francisco. But Stonewall is the most well-known and led to the creation of what we now know as Pride. Pride has always been a political event since its inception. Even though it might seem like a party, protests have always been part of its goal as a movement against unjust systems.

The central figures of the uprising were transgender people of colour. We are grateful for the trans and transgender people of colour who have fought to make the world a better place for LGBTIQ+ communities around the world.

The Stonewall riots have inspired a massive LGBTIQ+ rights movement and continue to have an impact. Stonewall built the momentum for changing the narrative and over time attitudes and policies changed. While progress has been significant, it hasn’t been the same around the world. In 2020 it is still a crime to be who you are in over 70 countries. In Australia there are still many areas that need improvement. Australia needs stronger laws to protect LGBTIQ+ people from discrimination and we need to take in more people seeking asylum because of their sexuality. We’ve outlined the changes that need to happen in the Australian LGBTIQA+ policy guide here.

We believe in a world that values and affirms all LGBTIQ+ people as full citizens. The fight is not over and we will continue to stand up for LGBTIQ+ rights, be part of the change and help amplify the voices of marginalised LGBTIQ+ Australians.