Although now encompassed under the modern acronym LGBTQ+, the gay rights movement, championing public recognition and pride in the face of societal shame and condemnation, started in America after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. The Stonewall Riots were caused by a police raid on a New York City gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, that quickly escalated into violence and protests. At the time, many cities were being “cleansed” of LGBTQ+ people through raids and arrests, making the riots a keystone moment in queer history.

LGBTQ+ people have always been a part of American history and culture, whether openly or not. However, in the years the Stonewall Riots, LGBTQ+ people engaged in a variety of political and social acts to demand equal treatment and recognition. These included parades, which were developing from political protests into celebratory pride parades around the time of Milk’s speech. These demonstrations often served both purposes, seeking to make each LGBTQ+ person visible and undeniable through action and celebration. As Milk references, another key part of the gay rights movement was the act of “coming out of the closet” (See: Index of Terms) or choosing to live as an openly LGBTQ+ person despite the potential risks.

The goal of the gay rights movement in America was broad, but it primarily sought to change American society’s view on gay people by bringing awareness to their humanity and need for equal treatment.