American History Tellers Stonewall | Turbulence | 2
13 snips
Jun 24, 2020 In the tumultuous 1960s, LGBTQ activists began to push for urgent rights, taking cues from the civil rights movement. Key figures like Frank Kameny emerged, advocating against job discrimination and police harassment. Transgender communities developed unique strategies to combat systemic violence. Religious leaders in the Tenderloin lent support by addressing homelessness and sex work issues. The lead-up to the historic Stonewall Inn raid set the stage for a pivotal moment in the fight for equality, highlighting the deep struggles and resilience within the movement.
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Frank Kameny's Firing Spark
- Frank Kameny was fired in 1958 for being gay while working as an army astronomer.
- He challenged the discrimination logically, setting the stage for direct LGBTQ activism.
Early LGBTQ Movement Divisions
- The Mattachine Society was small and divided by 1961 with fewer than 400 combined members.
- Many members feared political action would harm their careers, limiting early LGBTQ activism.
Adopting Civil Rights Tactics
- Frank Kameny admired civil rights sit-ins and wanted similar nonviolent tactics for LGBTQ rights.
- He believed without vigorous social action, the gay rights movement would accomplish nothing lasting.