Explores the dramatic event that launched a worldwide rights movement. Told by those who took part, from drag queens and street hustlers to police detectives, journalists, and a former mayor of New York City, and featuring a rich trove of archival footage, this AMERICAN EXPERIENCE film revisits a time when homoseual acts were illegal throughout America, and homosexuality itself was seen as a form of mental illness. Hunted and often entrapped by undercover police in their hometowns, gays from around the U.S. began fleeing to New York City in search of a sanctuary. Hounded there still by an aggressive police force, they found refuge in a Mafia-run gay bar in Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn. When police raided Stonewall on June 28, 1969, gay men and women did something they had not done before: they fought back. As the streets of New York erupted into violent protests and street demonstrations, the collective anger announced that the gay rights movement had arrived.

CIRC # 232.

Homosexuality in the 1960s -- Social and legal consequences -- Paradise in Greenwich Village -- Dodging the authorities -- A time of rebellion -- An uprising at Stonewall -- Strength in numbers -- A movement is born -- The first gay pride parade.\\Based on: Stonewall : the riots that sparked the gay revolution by David Carter.