Valuetainment The History of Pride Month & Ties to Italian Mafia - Stonewall
Jun 25, 2025
Explore the surprising origins of Pride Month, rooted in the underbelly of the Italian Mafia. Discover how the Genovese crime family ran the infamous Stonewall Inn, setting the stage for a pivotal 1969 police raid that sparked the Stonewall Riots. Delve into the bravery of the LGBTQ+ community and the evolution of their rights through decades of protests and presidential proclamations. Discuss the changing landscape of American family dynamics and the tension between traditional values and contemporary celebrations.
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Mafia's Role in Pride Origins
- The Italian Mafia, specifically the Genovese family, ran the Stonewall Inn, an illegal and dirty gay club in New York City.
- This mafia-run club played a central role in the origins of Pride Month after police raids sparked riots in 1969.
Stonewall Inn's Dark Side
- The Stonewall Inn was a mafia cash cow that overcharged for drinks and acted as a blackmail tool against wealthy closeted men.
- It provided a rare underground safe space for LGBTQ+ people, despite poor conditions and mafia control.
Stonewall Riots Spark Pride
- On June 28, 1969, a police raid on Stonewall Inn led to a massive riot involving around 600 people protesting police harassment.
- This event sparked continuous riots and protests, evolving into the modern LGBTQ+ Pride movement.