The Stonewall Uprising

GRADE LEVEL: High School

COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, Language

On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall uprising took place. It began in the early morning at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. As was typical during that time period, police officers entered the bar and arrested employees for selling alcohol without a liquor license, roughed up customers, cleared the bar and arrested customers for not wearing at least three articles of “gender-appropriate” clothing. While raids like this happened regularly, this time the LGBTQ community (patrons and neighbors) had had enough and engaged in what began as a spontaneous, violent demonstration that spawned additional demonstrations over several days. Though LGBTQ rights activism existed prior to 1969, many view Stonewall as the beginning of the organized gay rights movement and it is also seen as a symbol of resistance to social and political discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about the Stonewall uprising, reflect on LGBTQ rights and activism prior to and after Stonewall, and curate content around important milestones in the history of LGBTQ rights.