36 years ago today, Judy Garland died, an event that led indirectly or directly to the modern gay movement.
Although to be honest, there were protests in Washington earlier in the 1960's, Harry Hay's Mattachine Society was up and running in 1950, and Magnus Hirschfeld was advocating equality for homosexuals as early as 1821.
Yet, it's the image of drag queens, lesbians, and gay men rioting in 1969 that is etched in the collective gay memory. You have to admit, it's pretty stirring.
So next time you get all irritated and wonder why other guys can't be as "straight-acting" or "masculine/femme" as you are; remember that it was that group that fought hard to get us to the state we are today. Indeed, if it was left up to the "straight-acting" groups, we might still be getting arrested.
1 comment:
For an interesting account of what happened, try "Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution," by David Carter. He tackles some of what he says are myths that have grown up around Stonewall, including the belief that Judy Garland's funeral played a role. http://www.365gay.com/entertainment/books/061005books.htm
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