As a resident of New York City, Siobahn Hotaling has become involved in the city’s gay community as well as become deeply interested in the history of its gay community. Even up until the 1960’s, while New York City was considered a haven for gays and lesbians, individuals could still be arrested for what was called the “three-piece rule”. This rule stated that individuals had to wear at least three “gender appropriate” items of clothing, or else be arrested for cross-dressing. Police would raid gay bars frequently, using this rule or other lesser laws as an excuse to arrest gay people.
The Stonewall Riots of 1969, which took place at the Stonewall Inn, erupted on a night when the patrons of the bar finally fought back against police discrimination. The initial night of riots, followed by the nights that followed of protests, has long been heralded as the one that galvanized the gay rights movement in the United States. Stonewall Park, the small urban park located in front of the Stonewall Inn, was designated a National Monument in 2016. Every year, tulips bloom in the park to celebrate New York City’s Pride event. This year, Siobahn Hotaling joined a dozen other members of the city’s gay community in volunteering to plant the tulips that will bloom next spring as a sign of hope, solidarity, and pride. New York City also has spawned many gay and lesbian organizations designed to continue the feelings of solidarity and pride that the LGBTQIA+ community stands for. One such group is the Stonewall Chorale, named after the famous bar and riots. The Stonewall Chorale is known as “the nation’s first gay and lesbian chorus” and has been in existence since 1977. In 2021, Siobahn Hotaling joined the Stonewall Chorale as an alto, and has enjoyed becoming part of the Stonewall community. Comments are closed.
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AuthorSiobahn Hotaling - Project Consultant at Adaption Institute. Archives
November 2022
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