Introduction
Martin Duberman's "Stonewall" tells the gripping story of the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement in America. Through the lives of six individuals, the book traces the journey from oppression and secrecy to the watershed moment of the 1969 Stonewall riots and the emergence of gay pride. This pivotal event marked a turning point, igniting a new era of activism and visibility for LGBTQ people.
In the 1950s and 60s, being gay in America meant living under constant threat. Homosexuality was illegal in all 50 states, classified as a mental illness, and subject to harsh persecution. Gay people faced arrest, job loss, family rejection, and violence simply for being who they were. Against this backdrop of oppression, a brave group of individuals began to push back and demand their rights and dignity.
The Stonewall riots erupted on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village. For the first time, patrons fought back against the routine harassment, sparking days of protests. This spontaneous uprising became a catalyst, inspiring a new generation of activists to come out of the closet and fight openly for equality.
Duberman brings this history to life through the stories of six people who were part of this pivotal moment: Craig Rodwell, Yvonne Flowers, Karla Jay, Jim Fouratt, Sylvia Rivera, and Foster Gunnison Jr. Their diverse experiences illuminate the challenges faced by LGBTQ people in the 1960s and the courage it took to stand up for change.
This summary explores the key themes and events covered in "Stonewall," tracing the development of gay identity and community, the growth of early activist groups, the explosive events of the Stonewall uprising, and the birth of the Gay Liberation movement. It offers an inspiring look at how a marginalized group found its voice and began the long struggle for equality that continues to this day.
Forging Gay Identity in a Hostile World
The book begins by exploring how the main characters developed their sense of identity as gay or lesbian in a society that offered no positive models or acceptance.
Craig Rodwell: Finding Community
Craig's journey began at age six when his mother sent him to a home for troubled boys outside Chicago. Despite his initial fear, Craig found unexpected acceptance there. The boys formed close bonds, often with erotic undertones. Even non-sexual boys would walk hand-in-hand. This early experience helped Craig see male intimacy as natural and beautiful.
As a young adult in the late 1950s, Craig moved to New York City, the epicenter of gay life in America. He quickly became involved with the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay rights organizations. Craig was passionate about visibility and helping others come out. He believed that only by being open about their sexuality could gay people overcome oppression.
Craig's activism came with risks. One night he was jumped by plainclothes police officers while cruising in Washington Square Park. They beat him severely at the station when he asked why he'd been arrested. But experiences like this only strengthened Craig's resolve to fight for change.
Yvonne Flowers: Embracing Her Truth
Yvonne grew up in a progressive Black family in Brooklyn. Her mother was outspoken and taught Yvonne to stand up for her beliefs. This gave Yvonne the confidence to come out as a lesbian to her family at just 13 years old. Though her parents ignored the announcement, Yvonne remained secure in her identity.
As a young woman, Yvonne immersed herself in New York's vibrant lesbian subculture. She frequented underground bars and embraced butch fashion to signal her sexuality. Yvonne found freedom in Harlem's Black lesbian scene, away from the racism of white gay spaces. Though the strict butch/femme roles could be limiting, Yvonne appreciated the sense of community.
Karla Jay: Questioning Gender Norms
From a young age, Karla rejected traditional gender roles. She preferred roughhousing with boys to playing with dolls. At her all-girls school, Karla thrived in an environment where girls could excel academically and athletically without competing against boys.
Karla's sexual awakening came through romantic friendships with other girls at school. But reading about the difficulties faced by lesbians left her feeling demoralized about her future. It would take years before Karla fully embraced her identity and found her place in the lesbian community.
Jim Fouratt: From Altar Boy to Activist
Jim's path to activism began in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. As a teen, he got involved in politics, even working for the staunchly anti-communist Senator Joseph McCarthy. This early experience left Jim with a deep sense of shame that fueled his later radical politics.
Jim's political work required hitchhiking around town. He quickly discovered that offering sexual favors was an easy way to get rides from men. This opened Jim's eyes to the hidden world of gay sexuality. By the time he moved to New York to pursue acting, Jim was secure in his gay identity and eager to explore the city's queer subculture.
Sylvia Rivera: Street Queen and Survivor
Sylvia's childhood in Spanish Harlem was marked by tragedy and abuse. After her mother's suicide, Sylvia went to live with her grandmother. Neighbors noticed Sylvia's effeminate manner and teased her mercilessly. By age 10, Sylvia was having sex with an older married man in the neighborhood.
At 11, Sylvia left home and began working as a prostitute in Times Square. She found acceptance among the street queens and drag performers, who became her chosen family. Sylvia embraced her identity as a queen, taking the name Sylvia in a ceremony officiated by her mentor Marsha P. Johnson.
Life on the streets was dangerous, but Sylvia was resilient. She learned to stand up for herself and not take abuse from anyone. This fighting spirit would serve her well in the battles to come.
Foster Gunnison Jr.: The Unlikely Activist
Foster came from a wealthy background but struggled with crippling self-doubt instilled by his critical parents. Academically gifted, Foster attended Columbia University where he realized he was gay by age 20. But his confusion around sexuality led him to remain celibate for most of his life.
Foster's repressed sexuality and organizational skills would eventually find an outlet in the nascent gay rights movement. Though older and more conservative than many activists, Foster became a key behind-the-scenes organizer, helping to professionalize and unify the movement.
Building Community in 1960s New York
As the main characters came of age and moved to New York City, they found a vibrant but hidden gay subculture. Bars, cafes, and cruising spots offered spaces for LGBTQ people to meet and form communities, despite constant police harassment.
The Importance of Gay Bars
Gay and lesbian bars became crucial community institutions in the 1950s and 60s. For many, they were the only public spaces where they could be open about their sexuality. Bars facilitated connections, romance, and a sense of belonging for people often rejected by mainstream society.
However, most gay bars in New York were run by the Mafia, who paid off police to avoid raids. Drinks were overpriced and watered down. Some owners and staff were openly contemptuous of their gay clientele. But in a world with few alternatives, even these imperfect spaces were treasured.
The Stonewall Inn exemplified the complex nature of gay bars at the time. Located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, it was a dingy Mafia-run establishment. But it was also one of the only places that allowed dancing between same-sex partners. It attracted a diverse crowd, from wealthy professionals to street kids and drag queens.
Cruising and Hook-Up Culture
For gay men especially, anonymous sexual encounters were a major part of community life. Popular cruising spots included Washington Square Park, subway station bathrooms, and the YMCA. While risky, these encounters allowed men to explore their sexuality and connect with others like themselves.
Jim embraced the adventure of cruising culture when he arrived in New York. He found sexual partners in all-night diners, bathhouses, and other spots around the city. For Jim, these experiences were liberating after years of repression.
Craig also participated in the cruising scene, though he was more interested in forming an open gay community. He was frustrated that gay social life revolved around furtive sexual encounters rather than genuine connection and pride.
The Beat and Counterculture Influence
The growing counterculture movement of the 1960s created more spaces for gender and sexual nonconformity. Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg were openly gay, signaling new possibilities. Hip cafes in Greenwich Village became gathering spots for gay people and their allies.
Jim was drawn to the avant-garde theater and art scene centered around Andy Warhol's Factory. Though he found Warhol himself off-putting, Jim was energized by the creative, boundary-pushing atmosphere. He used his connections in this world to distribute radical leftist publications.
Lesbian Community and Culture
Lesbian bars and social networks operated somewhat separately from the gay male scene. Yvonne found a home in Harlem's Black lesbian community, attending house parties and softball games. She appreciated the strong sense of identity, even if the strict butch/femme roles could be constraining.
Karla struggled to fit into lesbian bar culture as she didn't conform to either the butch or femme stereotype. She focused on her studies at Barnard College instead, only gradually finding her place in the lesbian world.
Early Gay Rights Organizing
As gay and lesbian people began forming communities, some started to organize politically to fight for their rights. Several key organizations emerged in the 1950s and 60s, laying the groundwork for future activism.
The Mattachine Society
Founded in 1950 in Los Angeles, the Mattachine Society was one of the earliest gay rights groups in the U.S. Its initial radical mission was to foster a distinctive gay culture and challenge society's view of homosexuality as an illness.
By the late 1950s when Craig joined the New York chapter, Mattachine had become more conservative. Its new approach emphasized respectability and assimilation into mainstream society. This frustrated Craig, who believed gay people needed to be more visible and assertive in demanding their rights.
Despite its flaws, Mattachine provided an important space for gay people to meet and organize. Craig threw himself into volunteer work, eventually running the newsletter. Unlike many members who used pseudonyms, Craig insisted on using his real name despite the risks.
The Daughters of Bilitis
Founded in 1955, the Daughters of Bilitis was the first lesbian civil rights organization in the United States. Like Mattachine, it initially took a cautious approach focused on education and support rather than direct action.
The DOB provided a crucial lifeline for many isolated lesbians. Through its magazine The Ladder, it reached women across the country who had no other connection to lesbian community. However, its emphasis on respectability alienated some, like Yvonne, who didn't fit the middle-class white image it promoted.
NACHO and Foster's Organizing
In 1966, Foster Gunnison helped found the North American Conference of Homophile Organizations (NACHO). This was the first attempt to create a national gay rights organization unifying various local groups.
Foster brought his organizational skills to bear, working to professionalize the movement. He pushed for clear goals and strategies. However, his conservative style and emphasis on respectability put him at odds with the more militant direction the movement was taking by the late 1960s.
Craig's Oscar Wilde Bookshop
Frustrated with the limitations of existing organizations, Craig opened the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop in 1967. It was the first bookstore in New York dedicated to gay and lesbian literature that wasn't pornographic.
The shop became an important community space and resource center. Craig stocked activist pamphlets and buttons alongside literature. He saw the store as a way to make gay culture more visible and accessible.
However, the shop also faced hostility from the straight world. Craig often arrived in the morning to find homophobic slurs and death threats scrawled on the storefront.
The Stonewall Riots Erupt
The events of June 28, 1969 marked a turning point in LGBTQ history. What began as a routine police raid on the Stonewall Inn turned into days of protests that galvanized the gay community and sparked a new militant phase of activism.
The Night of the Raid
It was a hot Friday night when police arrived to raid the Stonewall Inn. Such raids were common, but this time the patrons decided to fight back. As police began arresting people and loading them into paddy wagons, a crowd gathered outside the bar.
The spark came when an officer shoved a lesbian patron who complained about rough treatment. She began fighting back, and suddenly the crowd erupted. They began throwing coins, bottles, and anything else they could find at the police.
Vastly outnumbered, the officers retreated into the bar and called for backup. The crowd's unexpected fury shocked them. For perhaps the first time, gay people were openly resisting police oppression.
"Gay Power!"
As word spread, more people poured into the streets around Christopher Street. Chants of "Gay Power!" echoed through the night. When riot police arrived, the crowd dispersed only to reform behind them, taunting the officers.
In a display of defiant humor, a chorus line of queens faced the riot cops, kicking their legs in unison and singing mockingly:
"We are the Stonewall girls, We wear our hair in curls, We wear no underwear, We show our pubic hair!"
This mix of anger and irreverent comedy characterized much of the protests. After years of abuse, gay people were finally letting loose their pent-up rage - but doing it with style.
Days of Unrest
The initial riot lasted until about 4am when police finally cleared the streets. But it was only the beginning. The next night, thousands gathered again on Christopher Street. Gay couples openly kissed on the street - a daring act at the time.
Skirmishes between protesters and police continued for several nights. On Wednesday, the largest crowd yet battled with officers, lighting fires and throwing bottles. The police response grew increasingly violent, with many protesters left bloodied in the streets.
Throughout the unrest, a festive, celebratory atmosphere prevailed alongside the anger. For many participants, it was their first time openly expressing their sexuality in public. The sense of liberation was intoxicating.
Mixed Reactions
Not all gay people supported the riots. Some wealthy and assimilated gays dismissed the protesters as "tacky queens" and praised the police for shutting down what they saw as an embarrassing, seedy bar.
But for many others, Stonewall was a watershed moment. The poet Allen Ginsberg visited the Stonewall Inn in the aftermath and observed that gay men had "lost that wounded look" they'd had for years. A new spirit of pride and defiance was emerging.
Craig saw Stonewall as vindication of his belief that militant action was needed. He was done with the polite tactics of groups like Mattachine. The time had come for gay people to loudly demand their rights.
Birth of the Gay Liberation Movement
In the aftermath of Stonewall, a new phase of LGBTQ activism emerged. Rejecting the cautious approach of earlier "homophile" groups, this Gay Liberation movement embraced militant tactics and radical politics.
The Gay Liberation Front
Just days after the riots, activists met to plan next steps. When established groups like Mattachine counseled restraint, younger militants walked out. Led by Jim Fouratt, they formed a new organization called the Gay Liberation Front (GLF).
The GLF took inspiration from other radical movements of the 1960s, including Black Power and the anti-war movement. They saw gay oppression as linked to broader systems of capitalism, racism, and imperialism. Their goal wasn't just gay rights, but revolutionary change in society.
GLF meetings were chaotic but energizing. Members debated theory and planned provocative "zaps" - public confrontations meant to challenge homophobia. The group provided a home for those, like Karla, who brought experience from other activist movements.
"Out of the Closets and Into the Streets"
A key principle of Gay Liberation was the importance of coming out publicly. Previous activists had often used pseudonyms, but GLF members insisted on openness. Their slogan was "Out of the closets and into the streets!"
This was a profound shift. Craig had long argued that visibility was crucial to ending oppression. Now a critical mass of people were ready to take that risky step of coming out to family, friends, and coworkers.
The emphasis on coming out also attracted many who hadn't previously been involved in activism. Yvonne, who had been content in her partying lifestyle, was inspired to get political for the first time.
Expanding the Movement
As the movement grew, new organizations formed to pursue different strategies. The Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) focused specifically on gay rights rather than broader revolutionary politics. Foster Gunnison, despite his more conservative style, helped the GAA secure a firehouse in SoHo as a community center.
The GAA pioneered confrontational tactics like "zaps" of politicians and media figures. They also organized popular dances that became an important social outlet for the community.
Lesbian feminists formed their own groups, feeling that gay male activists didn't sufficiently address women's issues. The Radicalesbians emerged as a key voice pushing for lesbian visibility within both the gay and women's movements.
Sylvia Rivera and Street Queen Activism
Sylvia Rivera and her friend Marsha P. Johnson founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to advocate for homeless queer youth. As low-income trans women of color, they felt marginalized even within the gay movement.
STAR highlighted the intersections of race, class, and gender identity. They provided housing and support for queer street kids, many of whom had been rejected by their families. Sylvia and Marsha's activism ensured that trans voices were part of Gay Liberation from the beginning.
The First Pride March
The most visible outcome of the new militant spirit was the organization of the first Gay Pride march in June 1970, commemorating the one-year anniversary of Stonewall.
Planning the March
Craig Rodwell spearheaded efforts to plan what was then called Christopher Street Liberation Day. He enlisted Foster Gunnison to help with logistics, bridging the gap between old-school organizers and the new radicals.
There was tension over the tone and messaging of the march. Some wanted to emphasize respectability, while others pushed for a more confrontational approach. In the end, a diversity of voices and styles were represented.
The police initially demanded massive security bonds, clearly hoping to prevent the march. But a last-minute ACLU lawsuit struck down this requirement, allowing the event to proceed.
"Say It Loud, Gay and Proud"
On the day of the march, organizers worried about turnout. But as people began gathering, the crowd swelled to several thousand. The atmosphere was electric as LGBTQ people openly proclaimed their identity in the streets.
Marchers carried signs with slogans like "Say It Loud, Gay and Proud" and "Better Blatant Than Latent." The jubilant crowd sang, chanted, and celebrated as they made their way up 6th Avenue to Central Park.
For participants, it was a profound experience of visibility and community. Many had never been around so many other openly LGBTQ people before. The march demonstrated the growing strength and confidence of the movement.
A Nationwide Movement
Simultaneous marches were held in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. This coordinated national action showed that Gay Liberation had become a true mass movement.
The success of the first Pride energized activists and inspired many more people to get involved. Annual marches became a tradition, growing larger each year. They served as both protest and celebration, asserting LGBTQ dignity and demands for equality.
The Legacy of Stonewall
The Stonewall riots and the Gay Liberation movement they inspired marked a crucial turning point in LGBTQ history. While progress has been uneven, the events of 1969-70 set in motion a half-century of activism that has transformed society's treatment of LGBTQ people.
Cultural Impact
Stonewall represented a seismic shift in gay and lesbian culture. The emphasis on pride and visibility challenged centuries of shame and secrecy. Coming out became a political act as well as a personal one.
The defiant humor of the riots - exemplified by the chorus line taunting police - infused the movement with a spirit of flamboyant resistance. Camp and drag, long part of gay subculture, became more visible as markers of queer identity.
Political Gains
In the short term, the militancy of Gay Liberation won some concrete victories. Sodomy laws began to be repealed, starting with Illinois in 1961 and spreading to other states. Police harassment of gay establishments decreased in many cities.
The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1973, a major victory in destigmatizing LGBTQ identities. Gay rights ordinances passed in some cities and the first openly gay politicians were elected.
Ongoing Struggles
Progress was not linear or universal. The AIDS crisis of the 1980s devastated the gay community and sparked a conservative backlash. Many of the early Gay Liberation activists died during the epidemic.
Legal and social discrimination persisted in many areas. It wasn't until 2003 that the Supreme Court struck down remaining sodomy laws, and same-sex marriage wasn't legalized nationwide until 2015.
Trans and gender non-conforming people, like Sylvia Rivera, often found themselves marginalized even within the LGBTQ movement. Their specific needs and identities are only now gaining broader recognition.
A Continuing Movement
The spirit of Stonewall continues to inspire LGBTQ activism today. Pride marches are now held in cities around the world, some attracting millions of participants. The rainbow flag created in 1978 has become a global symbol of LGBTQ identity and rights.
New generations of activists are building on the legacy of the Gay Liberation pioneers, addressing issues like transgender rights, queer youth homelessness, and the intersections of LGBTQ identity with race and class.
While much has changed since 1969, the core message of Stonewall endures: LGBTQ people deserve to live openly, proudly, and free from discrimination. The fight for full equality continues.
Conclusion
"Stonewall" offers a vivid portrait of a pivotal moment in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Through the diverse experiences of its six main characters, the book illuminates the challenges faced by gay and lesbian people in the 1960s and the courage it took to stand up for change.
The Stonewall riots marked the moment when years of pent-up anger and frustration finally boiled over. A community long accustomed to harassment and abuse discovered its power to fight back. In doing so, they sparked a movement that would transform society's treatment of LGBTQ people.
The Gay Liberation movement that emerged in Stonewall's wake was bold, unapologetic, and determined to upend the status quo. It rejected the cautious tactics of earlier activists in favor of loud, proud visibility. "Out of the closets and into the streets" became both rallying cry and revolutionary act.
While progress since Stonewall has been neither smooth nor complete, its impact is undeniable. The riots and subsequent activism challenged centuries of stigma and oppression. They asserted that LGBTQ people deserved not just tolerance, but full equality and celebration of their identities.
The legacy of Stonewall lives on in Pride marches around the world, in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights, and in every person who finds the courage to come out and live authentically. It reminds us that change is possible when marginalized people unite to demand justice.
As new generations continue to expand our understanding of gender and sexuality, the spirit of Stonewall endures. Its message remains as vital today as it was in 1969: Love is love, identity is valid, and no one should have to hide who they are. The fight for true equality is far from over, but the brave rebels of Stonewall showed us the way forward.