American History Tellers
History Daily: The Lonesome Cowboys Raid
Aug 5, 2024
On August 5, 1969, a hidden screening of Andy Warhol's 'Lonesome Cowboys' in Atlanta turns into a flashpoint for the gay rights movement after a police raid disrupts the event. The show's discussion highlights the stark contrast between the growing activism in the North and the struggles in the Deep South. It also examines the chilling effects of Cold War rhetoric and McCarthyism on LGBTQ lives. Personal stories, such as that of Abby, illuminate the courage of those fighting for freedom, setting the stage for the transformative Stonewall Riots and beyond.
18:08
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Quick takeaways
- The police raid on Andy Warhol’s Lonesome Cowboys screening in 1969 became a pivotal event sparking LGBTQ+ activism in the Deep South.
- The formation of the Georgia Gay Liberation Front catalyzed organized efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, leading to Atlanta's historic first Pride March.
Deep dives
The Raid on the Ansley Mall Theater
On August 5, 1969, police raided the Ansley Mall Theater in Atlanta during a late-night screening of Andy Warhol’s homoerotic film, Lonesome Cowboys. This event marked a significant moment for the queer community, who had gathered in secret to view the film, as homosexuality was still criminalized in much of the United States. The raid resulted in the arrest of Abby Drew and 70 other patrons, leading to a traumatic experience as they faced public humiliation and the threat of exposure. Abby's anger and fear during the raid highlighted the systemic oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community at the time, setting the stage for future activism in the Deep South.
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