The Stonewall Inn was the site of the famous Stonewall riots of 28th June 1969, which have come to symbolize the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. It is located at 53 Christopher Street, between West 4th St. and Waverly Place, in Greenwich Village, New York City. Stonewall is regarded as the single most important event that led to the modern movement for gay and lesbian civil rights.






The riot took place in the night at about 1:20 of June 28, 1969, hours after Judy Garland's funeral. Some believe those who fought back against police at Stonewall were saddened over Garland's death. (She died in London on June 22, 1969). She had been a gay icon, particularly in the latter half of her career in the 1950s and 1960s. Whether Garland's funeral played a part in the riots is cause for question, but it has become part of gay history and lore.



NOTE: This is a live recording at Carnegie Hall in 1961. If you listen closely, Judy Garland forgot the lyrics about 57 seconds into the video, and, in a funny ad-lib, sang "with...and I forgot the god-darn words...(garbled)."

Labels: gay pride, greenwich village, human rights, judy garland, new york, stonewall

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