Honoring Our Roots This Pride Month: The Stonewall Uprising and the Ongoing Fight for LGBTQ+ Liberation
Each June, as rainbow flags are raised and parades fill the streets, it’s vital to remember why Pride Month exists. Not just as a celebration, but as a commemoration. At the heart of it all is a night of resistance, courage, and collective power: the Stonewall Uprising of 1969.
The Stonewall Inn, located in New York City's Greenwich Village, is widely considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. At a time when being openly queer or trans was criminalized and dangerous, this bar served as a rare haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those most often pushed to the margins: trans people, people of color, sex workers, and unhoused queer youth.
The Uprising: A Turning Point in Queer Resistance
On June 28, 1969, police conducted yet another raid on the Stonewall Inn, a routine and oppressive tactic aimed at intimidating and arresting LGBTQ+ people. But on this night, something shifted. Instead of submitting to arrest, patrons and members of the community began to resist. Bottles, coins, and words of protest were hurled at the police. A sense of collective defiance took hold, and it erupted into a spontaneous, powerful act of rebellion.
The confrontation escalated quickly. Crowds gathered outside the bar, and tensions rose. Police officers, overwhelmed and unprepared for such resistance, found themselves barricaded inside the bar as the crowd grew. What began as an isolated incident turned into a full-scale uprising.
Rioting and Protests: A Community United
Over the following nights, the unrest continued. Protests and rioting spread through the surrounding streets as the LGBTQ+ community, long silenced and marginalized, refused to back down. Word of what had happened at Stonewall spread rapidly, drawing more people to the scene each night.
Activists, allies, and everyday queer folks joined together in what became a sustained demonstration for dignity, safety, and basic human rights. This wasn’t just about one raid. It was about years of systemic oppression finally reaching a boiling point.
While the police responded with force, the protests continued for three nights, signaling that the community was no longer willing to be silent. This moment of collective power laid the groundwork for a national and international movement, inspiring LGBTQ+ individuals to organize, protest, and advocate for their rights.
The Legacy of Resistance
The Stonewall Uprising wasn’t the beginning of queer resistance, but it was a turning point that ignited a movement. In the face of brutality and systemic oppression, queer and trans people, particularly Black and Latinx trans women like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, stood up and said no more. Their courage sparked a global fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
These pioneers, many of whom never received the recognition they deserved in their lifetimes, are the foundation of our progress. Their activism came at a tremendous cost. Yet they fought to create a world where future generations could live more openly, more safely, and more freely.
Pictured from left to right: Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Why It Still Matters
More than five decades later, the echoes of Stonewall are still deeply relevant. Queer and trans people continue to face systemic barriers, discrimination, and violence. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, police violence, and social stigma persist in many parts of the country and the world.
This is why remembering Stonewall is not just about honoring the past, it’s about fueling the present. It reminds us that Pride is protest. It invites us to reflect on who is centered in our celebrations, whose voices are still being marginalized, and how we can show up in more inclusive and justice-oriented ways.
Pride, Mental Health, and the Power of Community
In the spirit of Stonewall, one of the most radical acts we can engage in today is taking care of our mental health and supporting one another. The systems that suppress and stigmatize LGBTQ+ identities also take a toll on our emotional well-being. That’s why finding affirming spaces, whether through therapy, support groups, or chosen family, is so essential.
Group therapy and individual counseling are not just tools for healing; they’re part of the resistance. They provide space to process complex emotions, navigate identity, and reclaim a sense of agency in a world that often tries to define us on its terms. They also help us build resilience and foster connection, two things that have always been central to queer survival and liberation.
For many, community itself is the medicine; being seen, heard, and celebrated in your truth is powerful and transformative. As we honor the brave individuals who paved the way, we can also recommit to building communities rooted in care, justice, and belonging.
Carrying the Torch, Together
As a queer-affirming therapist, I hold deep reverence for the trailblazers who made it possible for so many of us to live more authentically. In my work, I strive to create a space that honors your identity, your history, and your emotional truth. Mental health and community care are forms of resistance—and healing is part of the revolution.
This Pride Month, may we celebrate with joy, remember with reverence, and continue the fight with courage. Let’s not only look back at the power of Stonewall, but carry that spirit forward by building affirming communities, supporting one another’s mental wellness, and standing up for justice, especially for those still waiting to be heard.
Why Choose Self Embrace Therapy
At Self Embrace Therapy, we offer a safe and inclusive therapeutic space where you can find your voice, share your story, and experience the healing power of vulnerability.
A Personalized Approach: My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that your healing journey is unique. I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs.
Inclusive, Affirming Care: As a therapist who identifies as lesbian, I understand the significance of creating an environment that welcomes individuals of all diverse identities and sexual orientations. My research and practice are rooted in sexual and gender diversity, ensuring my LGBTQ+ community receives affirming and compassionate care.
A Collaborative Journey: In our collaborative work together, I will guide you towards insights that lead to a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and your ability to advocate for yourself.
Contact me today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards growth and self-discovery.
