The Vision of Stonewall Nation

In the 1970s, a group of activists envisioned creating a gay territory, dubbed the Stonewall Nation, in Alpine County, California, believing they could establish a political majority by moving into this sparsely populated area. The idea stemmed from dissatisfaction with urban gay life and commercial institutions that catered to gay men, prompting activists to seek a more liberated space. This vision resonated with some activists who dreamed of a place free from job discrimination and police harassment, with its own government and cultural institutions. Although this notion became a media sensation, it highlighted a deeper ideological conflict within the radical gay liberation movements of the era, as many believed that simply establishing a gay space was not enough to ensure true liberation.