When we talk about LGBTQ+ activists on our Village Pride LGBTQ+ history walking tour, it’s often in the context of their actions, of what they did or accomplished. Some examples you may have heard if you’ve been on our tour:
- Craig Rodwell started the first gay and lesbian bookshop on the east coast in 1967.
- Stormé DeLarverie and other black and brown trans activists fought back against the police at Stonewall in 1969.
- Larry Kramer co-founded ACT UP in 1987 after government inaction during the AIDS epidemic.
All of these stories might sound impressive on their own, but they are even more impressive in the historical context of their choices. That more often than not, they were making bold and defiant choices, potentially at their own expense, for the sake of advancing their community and changing the world.
Craig opened an LGBTQ+ bookshop during a time when obscenity laws were rampant, and any type of gay space was constantly being raided by the police, with patrons subject to police harassment. Yet, he decidedly opened a shop dedicated specifically to LGBTQ+ books and authors, despite the fear of police threats and potentially being in violation of obscenity laws.
Stormé, who was subject to arrest based solely on her identity and gender expression, decided to be a vocal and active presence at Stonewall, with the threat of arrest and police harassment. While not definite, it’s rumored that she was the lesbian woman who called out into the crowd, as she was being pushed into a police car, “Why don’t you all fight back??” This rally cry ultimately led to the subsequent riots that changed the course of history.
Larry started his second AIDS activist organization, AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) at the height of the AIDS crisis because of inconceivable government indifference. He battled with government and public health officials, and against stigma from those within his own community who often felt like he was too angry or too aggressive. Yet, he persisted in creating ACT UP, leading countless protests and demonstrations, which ultimately turned into a global movement.
These examples are not just random choices that activists of the past have made. Craig didn’t thoughtlessly open a queer bookstore in an era of obscenity laws. Stormé didn’t shout out to a crowd without knowing a consequence might follow. And Larry didn’t push so many boundaries without knowing there would be pushback. These stories are examples of bold and defiant choices.
And personally, as somewhat of a rule follower myself, it’s eye-opening to look back at the “rule-breaking” choices that these activists made, and in so many cases, that defined their activism careers. Today, we are seeing so many federal directives that are impacting our communities, but as my queer ancestors have taught me, sometimes we need to make bold and defiant choices against the rules in order to continue paving the way forward.
