“In the sixties, not only was it harsh for gay and trans people, just being an African American in that time was very, very hard,” says Christy Henderson-Jenkin, Stonewall Veteran.
But on June 28, 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn – a popular gay bar in New York City – became the breaking point.
“Stonewall is an example of the civil rights movement. We got tired, we stood up and we fought,” said Jenkins.
The Stonewall riots lasted for six days, sparking the modern LGBTQ+ movement – but how far have we really come?
“I truly believe we’re going backwards, not forwards,” says Jenkins.
However, while the current administration continues to divide, the SCV LGBTQ Center is working to unite — spending the last five years fundraising for a building to support the community better.
“I want us to get a building so we can offer even more, so I know the Los Angeles LGBT Center offers medical care, that is something that would be great because that’s gone out here. And my goal is to fill in the gaps that are missing on top of being the resource hub,” Bryce Jepsen, President of the SCV LGBTQ Center.
You can find more information at this year’s Pride Picnic, Oct. 26 in Stevenson Ranch.
