Riots Of Stonewall (Super Rough Draft)

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I. Introduction: For many years now the gay community struggled to gain equal rights and be socially accepted in society. Throughout the world their goals have not yet been reached, but the United States currently allows same-sex marriage in six states (Vestal). Today there are many movements and organizations to support individuals battling for their rights. Historical movements have also played a large part in helping the gay community. The Stonewall riots of 1969 demonstrated the first, and most affective uprising of gays fighting back. These riots began as clashes between gays and police men, but transformed into a worldwide movement. Never before had the gay community fought against cruel social harassment (Keshena). II. Presentation of Evidence: Before stonewall gays and lesbians across the United States felt as if they lived a life of secrecy. If they didn’t they could risk losing their jobs, homes, and security in their neighborhood. As the years progressed homosexuals came together for their cause, but were still not strong enough to be considered equal. Many gays were labeled as having psychiatric issues and excluded from the army, and other social establishments (Sullivan, 2.) There were few places that drag queens and gays could escape to be themselves. Stonewall was one of them. The Stonewall Inn was, and still is, New York’s most famous gay bar. Located in Greenwich Village gays were not the only people found in the bar during the 60’s. Like many gay bars, Stonewall was owned by members of the Mafia, who were capable of skirting around the red tape often thrown in the way for gay establishments seeking liquor licenses (Dana). The mafia didn’t mind the gay or the queens filling their bar, and began to build friendships with them. Police, however, were highly against the idea of gay bars, and could barge into them without direct reason. That’s

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