Forty years ago today, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn: one of the few establishments that welcomed gay people. Many were arrested simply due to their sexual identity. The riots that quickly followed, protesting the undeniable and continuous discrimination against LGBTI individuals, marked the beginning of the LGBTI Liberation Movement. Within a year, LGBTI rights organizations were founded across the country and the first Gay Pride marches began.
Today, we are still marching. We march to celebrate diversity and acceptance, to honor the victories over the past forty years and to remind us of how much there still needs to be done. But as we show our pride, we must not forget that people still experience harsh discrimination and lack any access to safer sex resources at home and abroad.
There are many ways MADRE is working to ensure reproductive health and sexual rights for all. But we need your help. There are two projects you can take part in right now:
- To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, MADRE is announcing our November speaking tour with Silvia Martinez, a leader in the Nicaraguan Transgender Movement. You can help bring Silvia Martinez to your school or community. Learn How.
- MADRE is sending reproductive resources, such as condoms and educational material, to our partners at the Barcenas Women Workers' Committee in Guatemala. You can help MADRE ensure that every woman has the right to choose when she has a family and protect herself from disease. Learn How.
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