This is one of those stories whose details are almost too surreal to believe, but the details also give a sharp insight into what can happen when a group of people is ostracized and treated like pariahs. In 1952, 34, Dale Jennings went into a public restroom and was propositioned by a vice cop. When Jennings showed no interest, the cop followed him home, barged his way inside, and attempted to seduce Jennings before finally just arresting him. Unbeknownst to the vice squad, Jennings was one of the founding members of the Mattachine Society, which later evolved into the Mattachine Foundation. The members banded together, raised money for Jennings' defense, and launched a campaign to end the practice of entrapment.
Years Before Stonewall: The Dewey's Sit-In
In 1965, activists staged a sit-in at a popular spot for queer folks, Dewey's in Philadelphia. Dewey's, like lots of spots across the USA, would often allow queer folks in, take their money, then call the police when they were tired of their custom.
Two Encore Stories
How Chris Bearchell Led a Toronto Bathhouse Uprising. In 1981, Toronto police raided 4 gay bathhouses in Operation Soap—arresting 253 men. Activist and organizer Chris Bearchell turned rage into revolution. Bearchell stood up at the protest and started the iconic proclamation. A chant that led 3,000+ demonstrators in Canada's first massive gay rights uprising.
The Black Cat Raid
On New Year's Eve 1966, undercover LAPD officers raided the Black Cat bar in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, triggering one of the earliest LGBTQ civil rights protests in U.S. history. There was another bar raided on the same night as the Black Cat, two patrons were arrested bring the total to 16. The protest against police violence across Los Angeles was one of the first protests where LGBTQ+ folks joined in common cause with members of the African American and Latino communities, also protesting violence at the hands of police.
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