Stonewall was a Riot Against Police Brutality: On Whitewashing and Queer Resistance
Stonewall was a Riot Against Police Brutality: On Whitewashing and Queer Resistance
by Be Oakley
86 pages
Offset
Edition of 200
"Stonewall was a Riot Against Police Brutality" is a reprinting of our 2018 essay "Stonewall was a Riot" with three forwards one written in the first few days of June 2020 and other written in October 2020 and the most recent in September 2022.
This publication looks at the role of whiteness and capitalism on the legacy of stonewall. Oakley looks at the yearly gay pride event and examines how large corporations and police presence undermines the Stonewall Riots that black trans and queer people took a stance against police aggression.
In this current moment of the attempt of conservative people trying to censor queer and trans history, publications like this expanding on the legacy of stonewall for future generations is paramount.
From the forward Oakley states "We need to remember that Stonewall was a riot against police brutality. As queer, trans and non-binary people, 2020 pride month can’t just be about a casual celebration of our identity. This month (like every month, for that matter) must focus on addressing the intersections of our collective oppression, that is rooted in white supremacy, heteronormativity and colonialism. This month we need to continue to honor and demand justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and everyone murdered by our white supremacist police state. As queer, trans and non-binary people we need to stand in solidarity and action in our refusal of joining the status quo. We need to stay fucking mad and protest, donate and coalition build with each other, to actively work towards the dismantling of our white supremacist police state. Pride 2020 is not a time for celebration, it is a time to show solidarity with cis, trans and non-binary Black people."
