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Stonewall 40 celebrates gay rights movement

By Andrew Cothern | Richmond.com
Published: June 25, 2009

In 1969, several members of the gay community stood up for their rights.

In 2009, the gay community around the world honors those that did.

This Sunday, June 28, will mark the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots, an event largely regarded as a defining event that marks the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.

Stonewall is frequently cited as the first occurrence in American history when gays and lesbians fought back against persecution from the city.

LGBT organizations in Richmond and across the nation are having events to commemorate this seminal event in the gay rights movement. The Gay Community Center of Richmond, Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond, ROSMY, Richmond Lesbian Feminists and Equality Va. are only a few of the groups participating.

"Instead of focusing on one big event, we felt that it was important to honor that free spirit from the 1960s and have a variety of different events," says Rev. Robin Gorsline of the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond, one of the event’s organizers.

Weekend events include a family night at the Gay Community Center, 1960s parties at various bars, drag volleyball and dodgeball games, film screenings and musical performances.

WRIR (97.3FM) is also airing a six episode series entitled "The 40th Anniversary of Stonewall - The Birth of Gay Liberation" produced by "The Rainbow Minute," which airs Monday through Friday at 9:03 am, 12:30 pm and 4:29 pm.

Check out all the activities going on this weekend by clicking on the related links above.

"The weekend involves a fair amount of drag queens," Gorsline says. "They were involved heavily in the original Stonewall riots and we think it’s important to make them part of the spotlight."

Gorsline says he hopes that history will be honored this weekend and people will remember the struggles the community has endured over the last forty years.

"When we mentioned the Stonewall riots to people, most don’t know what it’s all about. We hope that people both in and out of the LGBT community will learn about this historic event."

"It’s became an emblem for us,’ he continues. "Living for yourself and being proud and open with other people."

Gorsline also sees this weekend’s events as a way for the LGBT community to grow stronger and closer.

"We have an immensely rich community in Richmond. There are a good number of groups and most of the time we get caught up with working on our own projects. This weekend will show off what we can do by working together."

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Stonewall 40 celebrates gay rights movement