ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 50 years ago on Tuesday, the Stonewall riots marked start of the gay rights movement in Greenwich Village in New York. Six years since the mass terrorist shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, some people are drawing comparisons to the two events in the push for LGBTQ+ equality.
What You Need To Know
- The Stonewall riots marked a rise in the gay rights movement 53 years ago
- Some compare the movement to events like the Pulse shooting in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality
- U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-District 9) says the government needs to continue to back LGBTQ rights
When asked Monday about the anniversary of the Stonewall events, also known as the Stonewall uprising, Congressman Darren Soto (D-District 9) remarked: “It’s key to continue partnerships with law enforcement.”
In 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided by police, who said it lacked an alcohol license. The raid resulted in violent clashes with police and led to the creation of gay rights activists groups.
Today, the remembrance of the victims of the Pulse terrorist shooting sparks community solidarity in the push for equality.
“We’re here to shore-up those rights in a community like Central Florida that embraces the LGBTQ community,” Soto said.