Remembering Stonewall: 40 Years of Gay Pride

It's hard to believe, but 40 years have passed since the Stonewall riots in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.

In June 1969, eight police officers entered the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street to "randomly" check IDs. One-by-one, the officers escorted gays, lesbians and drag queens out the door and into squad cars. At 1:10 a.m., the bar patrons fought back.

Apparently, one of the bar patrons uprooted a parking meter and wedged it against the door, trapping cops and agents inside. After wrecking the place, the police called in reinforcements.

Outside, someone had set a fire while the crowd grew in the small Greenwich Village streets.

For the next three days, queers of every suit, drag queens and allies stood outside Stonewall Inn, rioting, protesting and chanting "Gay Power".

The Stonewall Riots were the first time in history that the LGBT community stood up and fought back against an oppressive society. From this event, a new gay movement emerged where the gays finally had enough and demanded inclusion.

Year 2009 marks 40 years since the Stonewall Riots. The New York City Pride Parade on June 28 is sure to be the largest gay pride celebration of all time.

Today, the Stonewall Inn maintains its unique "dive" atmosphere in the Village; a place where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders of all types meet for happy hour drinks, friendly games of pool and that "down home" feel only this establishment can afford. The Stonewall was recently rennoated and stands tall today.

I'm proud and happy to say that, as a new New York City resident, I found my way to the Village a few weeks ago and had a few drinks at Stonewall. It was both surreal and comforting all at once. The bartender was very friendly, as were my fellow barstool mates. Lesbians played a game of pool behind me, while I sipped on a Blue Moon on draft.

To commemorate 40 years of Pride, Bitchy Teez has designed a collector's edition T-shirt. Grab yours today and wear it with pride. Only $22 - order online now! http://www.cafepress.com/40years.386299235

Other 40 Years of Pride merchandise is available, too:

www.cafepress.com/40years