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 reprint of our 2018 essay, "Stonewall was a Riot," with three forwards: one written in the first few days of June 2020, the other in October 2020, and the most recent in September 2022.
This publication looks at the role of whiteness and capitalism in the legacy of Stonewall. Oakley looks at the yearly gay pride event and examines how large corporations and police presence undermined the Stonewall Riots. 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 are 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 to join 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."
