Yet, the direct actions of marginalized communities are frequently dismissed or repressed with weaponized language, such as the label of a riot as a means to undermine their movements for liberation.ĭuring this Pride Month where the protests for #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackTransLivesMatter are frequently criticized for being “unlawful” and “violent”, we wanted to highlight key moments of resistance and rebellion that have sparked the movement for LGBTQ rights in the United States. Some of these direct actions are hailed as great moments representing the United States’ tenacity – like how the 1773 Boston Tea Party is celebrated in many history books.
Historically, confrontations with the police or other law enforcement have been movement starters for oppressed people in the United States.
