1979: “Remember Stonewall”

“Remember Stonewall” button. Button and Pin Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

After nearly a decade of activism with a handful of victories, 1979 was a tumultuous year for the San Diego gay community. In February, five officers from the San Diego Police Department raided the Fourth Avenue Club and charged twenty-three patrons with lewd conduct. In response, lobbyist George Raya and activist Fred Scholl organized a… Continue reading 1979: “Remember Stonewall”

1969: The Turning Point

Gay Liberation Front Statement of Purpose in The Prodigal, 1970. Lambda Archives of San Diego.

On June 28th, 1969, a raid on New York City’s Stonewall Inn escalated into a riot that lasted for days. Fed up with regular harassment, patrons of the gay bar refused to cooperate with police during the raid. News of this victory spread and inspired the gay community throughout the country to organize, forming activists… Continue reading 1969: The Turning Point