On June 28, 1969, New York City gay bar the Stonewall Inn was raided by police. It wasn’t the first time that police had targeted the bar, but this was the first time the community there launched immediate demonstrations against the discrimination, social oppression and police brutality. Now known as the Stonewall Riots, the landmark event — celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — is widely hailed as the most important moment in the modern fight for LGBTQ rights.
The first Pride parade was held on June 28, 1970 in New York’s Greenwich Village, a year after the Stonewall Riots. Cincinnati Pride, started 46 years ago, is a week-long celebration and affirmation of LGBTQ individuals no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. And this year, many collaborators have come together to schedule associated and ancillary events to mark the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
While the Pride parade and festival earmark the week, the 2019 Pride Issue also examines some other landmarks, including the 30th anniversary of the Ohio Lesbian Archives, the new Out Cincinnati radio show, the biggest Tea Dance to date and the fifth anniversary of the death of Leelah Alcorn.