Stonewall Uprising, The

Definition

In June 1969, when the New York City police tried to raid the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich village, the bars patrons stood their ground and fought back. This marked a turning point for homosexuals ushering in a new era of gay pride, openness, and activism. Many consider this event to be the beginning of the Gay Liberation Movement, which encouraged homosexuals to come out of the closet and stand up for gay rights.