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Monday, 6/30/97 The history of pride COMMUNITY: The June 1969 Stonewall riots marked the birth of modern-day Gay Pride and lent steam to LGBT activism

By Dawnya Pring Daily Bruin Contributor It was a sweltering New York June in 1969 and America was hot with political strife when the rallying call "Gay Power" was born. A powerful chant reverberated through the streets of SoHo. "Gay Power" was heard for the very first time. Unbeknownst to all involved, this turbulent weekend would mark the first celebration of Gay Pride. "(Gays and lesbians) had just finally had enough," retorts Charles Outcalt, director of UCLA's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resources Office (LBGT). "They decided that the time had come, and they weren't going to be carried away in a paddy wagon again." Gay Pride celebrations have become a tradition within the LBGT community. In the 28 years since June 1969, Gay Pride celebrations have grown to encompass thousands of participants all over the world. What is being commemorated, however, is an event less joyous than the modern Gay Pride parades. June has become Gay Pride's designated month for one reason: The Stonewall Rebellion. A struggle for civil liberties, the rebellion was a three-day protest fought in urban streets and fueled by prejudice and inequality. Minority groups in 1969 faced many injustices. Gay populations were one of the most oppressed groups at the time, often facing beatings and arrests at the hands of local law enforcement. The New York Beverage Control Board Agents and Police Officers dominated every situation they encountered. In the last weekend of June 1969, they thought that a raid on an African American and Latino drag bar called the Stonewall Inn would be no exception. That bar on Christopher Street in New York has now reached legendary status in the gay community. The Stonewall Rebellion began with agents and police invading the bar, allegedly on the prowl for violations of alcohol control laws. As usual, the officers raided the Stonewall, spewing sexually derogatory and homophobic remarks. They marched through the crowd checking personal identification while unlawfully throwing patrons out of the bar or arresting them. But on this night the bar patrons did not go quietly into the night, disappearing as they had done so many nights before. That intangible light that ignites civil unrest was sparked deep in the souls of the ousted patrons of the Stonewall Inn. Infuriated at their unjust treatment, they began to fight back. One incensed patron uprooted a parking meter and used it to barricade the door of the bar. The police and agents were now trapped inside the bar. Outside the angry crowd grew, while the police waited anxiously inside and called for reinforcements. For three days following this confrontation, people rioted in the streets in the name of gay liberation. The hidden rage of the gay and lesbian community surfaced. Many people funneled their anger into political action with organized groups. In 1970, marches were held in New York and Los Angeles on the anniversary of the uprising. These marches became the first Gay Pride remembrances and celebrations. The Stonewall Rebellion is now seen as the catalyst of the modern-day gay and lesbian liberation movement. This June, the 28th Gay Pride Month was in full force. Major events and parades occurred all over the country, garnering significant media attention. "June as Gay Pride month helps people remember the historical signifigance of a very important event." explains Jim Babl, a psychologist with Student Psychological services who has conducted coming-out workshops. Bable explains that it is helpful for gays and lesbians to bring their parents and friends to large public events, allowing them to see the diversity in the gay community. "The West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade is the third largest in the state. There are teachers and religious groups represented, it's very impressive," Bable said. "Gay and lesbian people are the only minority in America that aren't raised by their own." said Steven Leider, UCLA student and LGBT volunteer. "These events give people the opportunity to see how large and diverse the gay and lesbian community is." June and the Stonewall Rebellion play a significant role in the history of the gay liberation movement, but according to Outcalt, Gay Pride Month has many meanings. "What Gay Pride Month is really about now is the gay-lesbian community creating traditions for themselves, a celebration," Outcalt said. "October is Gay History Month and is often more serious." Like most facets of UCLA, the LGBT Resources Office and the UCLA gay community have a slightly slower pace during the summer because of the reduced student body. On campus, more events take place during Gay History Month in October. As June comes to an end so do the official Gay Pride celebrations. These celebrations are now on their 29th year and gaining in strength every year. Previous Daily Bruin Story Going public , October 11, 1997