In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a small bar in Greenwich Village. It was common at that time for police to raid lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) establishments, harass and arrest the patrons and extort payments from the owners. LGBT people had endured such abuse for years, but on this particular night an angry and impatient crowd gathered outside the bar and fought back, pelting police officers with coins, rocks and bottles. The police took refuge inside the bar, and the mob tried to ram the door with an uprooted parking meter and even to set fire to the establishment. Riots broke out again the next day, and protests and demonstrations continued throughout the week.
The realization that they did not have to accept abuse and intimidation at the hands of the authorities—fueled by the civil rights movements and spirit of social revolution of the 1960s—ushered in a new era of politicization and visibility for LGBT people. The modern LGBT rights movement had been born, and annual pride marches have been held ever since to commemorate the uprising that sparked a transformation in the way Americans view LGBT people and discrimination against them.
This June, the Anti-Defamation League marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots by featuring books that raise awareness about LGBT history and foster a sense of pride and respect for LGBT people and their accomplishments.
While marching in the gay pride parade with her two mothers, Gloria sees many familiar faces and learns that "love is the most important thing of all." Some people along the parade route hold signs that say, "Gays go away." One of Gloria's mothers explains to her that some people don't think two women or two men should love each other, but that the parade is held to help ensure that all people can feel pride in who they are.
This picture-book biography is among the only titles for primary students on lesbian and gay history. It tells the story of the first openly gay elected city official in the United States, beginning with his childhood and taking us through his years in the Navy and career as a teacher. The author sensitively discusses how Milk kept his emerging gay identity a secret through young adulthood until he moved to San Francisco, where he ultimately became a politician and worked toward "laws to ensure the quality of life for all people." Harvey Milk was assassinated in 1978, becoming a martyr for the cause of gay rights in the U.S.
Howe continues the story of 13-year-old Joe, one of the protagonists from The Misfits, in this "alphabiography." As an English assignment, Joe is told to write about his life from A to Z, with each alphabetical chapter ending in a "Life Lesson.” Joe reveals his life in short vignettes, discussing with humor his struggles as a gay adolescent, including his relationship with his athletic brother, his first boyfriend and dealing with bullying at school.
While marching in the gay pride parade with her two mothers, Gloria sees many familiar faces and learns that "love is the most important thing of all." Some people along the parade route hold signs that say, "Gays go away." One of Gloria's mothers explains to her that some people don't think two women or two men should love each other, but that the parade is held to help ensure that all people can feel pride in who they are.