- photo by: Joseph Ambrosini
This is one of my favorite photos of all time. It was taken by Joseph Ambrosini of the New York Daily Newsappearing in the paper, as the first photograph published of the beginning of the Stonewall Riots. Specifically, it documents homeless LGBTQ youth fighting back against the police, and is one of few photographs of that first night of the riots.
I always keep a printed copy of this photo at my desk where I work and write. It gives me hope and strength, and reminds me where the revolution came from, and just how profoundly powerful we can be.
When you go to pride this year, please take a moment to think about the bravery and strength of the homeless LGBTQ youth that birthed our “modern LGBTQ rights movement.” In their honor and legacy, we must not abandon the youth of today. It is our responsibility to listen to them, fund programs that provide direct services, and partner with youth as together we work towards equality for all LGBTQ people.
Also connected to pride my friend and colleague Syd London and I have come together with a new project: Hard Won Home. The first installment is PRIDE includes new writing from me and previously unreleased photos from her exploring what this time of year means to us. With much love and fight in our hearts is our gift to the community
Happy Pride Y’all!