Politics & World • LGBTQ+ History

Stonewall riots

The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous protests and clashes with police that began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous protests and clashes with police that began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village. They are widely regarded as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and internationally.

Background

The Stonewall Inn was a gay bar in Greenwich Village, and police raids on gay venues were common in this period. The social and legal climate for LGBTQ+ people in the United States was hostile, making the raid part of a larger pattern of harassment.

Events of June 1969

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn and the situation escalated into protests and violent confrontations outside the bar. Similar disturbances continued on subsequent nights.

Historical significance

Stonewall is widely seen as a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement in the United States and a landmark in LGBTQ+ history worldwide. It is often described as a moment that energized activism and public visibility.

Commemoration and legacy

Stonewall is commemorated in annual Pride celebrations and related remembrance events. The site later received historic recognition and became associated with LGBTQ+ heritage preservation.

Key facts

The unrest began after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in the early morning of June 28, 1969.
The events lasted for several days and involved demonstrations and confrontations with police.
Stonewall is widely described as a turning point or milestone in LGBTQ+ civil rights history.
The event helped inspire organized LGBTQ+ activism in the United States and beyond.
Many later Pride events commemorate Stonewall and its legacy.

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Canadian context

Stonewall is a foundational event in international LGBTQ+ history and is often referenced in Canadian Pride events, educational materials, and civil-rights discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What were the Stonewall riots?

They were protests and clashes with police that began after a raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969.

Why are the Stonewall riots important?

They are widely regarded as a major turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and a catalyst for later activism.

Where did the Stonewall riots happen?

At and around the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan, New York City.

How long did the unrest last?

The initial unrest began on June 28, 1969 and continued in the following days, with sources commonly describing several nights of protest.

Are they sometimes called something else?

Yes. Common alternative names include the Stonewall uprising, Stonewall rebellion, and Stonewall revolution.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots
Supports: Date, location, alternative names, and general significance of the riots.
U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/ston/learn/historyculture.htm
Supports: Stonewall as a milestone in civil rights and the June 28, 1969 raid.
Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Stonewall-riots
Supports: Definition, date, location, and historical significance.
Library of Congress — https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/stonewall-era
Supports: Stonewall as a turning point and preferred terminology among some participants.
History — https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-timeline
Supports: Historical background and policing context around gay bars in New York.
BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48796870
Supports: General overview of the event, duration, and legacy.