In retaliation, she turned around swinging. Out in the street, an officer cracked DeLarverie over the head with a billy club. The assault was so invasive, there were reports of female officers taking suspected cross-dressers into the bathroom to “check their sex.” (In the Life Media) via YouTube
Although officers entered the bar under the pretense of addressing illegal alcohol sold in the bar, it was all a cover to assault its patrons. Police dragged out bartenders and harassed anyone who wore anything that violated the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute. This included DeLarverie, who stood out with her short-cropped blond hair and androgynous appearance.
They barged in and rounded anyone they could get their hands on. On that morning, paddy wagons followed by a small fleet of police raided the club. Though it was nowhere near perfect, the Stonewall Inn was a hidden sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. This was a time when simply holding hands and kissing in public was illegal to same-sex couples.Īt Stonewall, there was no judgment, eye-glaring, contempt, or malice - only free-flowing booze, and personal freedom. Inside, men dressed in drag, women wore men’s clothing, and same-sex couples were able to be together peacefully. She was enjoying herself, drinking and socializing with friends at “Stonewall,” one of New York’s last standing gay bars. June 28, 1969, was a typical Saturday morning at the Stonewall Inn for Stormé DeLarverie. DeLarverie was present the moment the “Stonewall Uprising” occurred.
Stormé DeLarverie acted as the “lesbian guardian” of Seventh and Eighth Avenue, Manhattan.The Stonewall Inn was a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community.
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