Remembering How the Stonewall Riots Started a Movement

42 years ago, there was no such thing as being openly gay. Almost every state, including New York, had laws prohibiting homosexuality in public, and private businesses and gay establishments were regularly raided and shut down by law enforcement. During one such raid in the early hours of June 28, 1969, the people at a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village called the Stonewall Inn decided they had had enough.

As part of the “American Experience” history series, PBS is sharing a documentary on the riots and the gay rights movement they sparked. “In this 90-minute film, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE draws upon eyewitness accounts and rare archival material to bring this pivotal event to life.” Check it out here, and watch the trailer below.

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.