Meet some of the inspiring men and women who helped make LGBT rights a reality - Stonewall Rising Something out of the ordinary happened during a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. Gay people physically fought back against government-sponsored persecution. The so-called Stonewall Riots were a flashpoint in the gay rights movement. In the 40-plus years since that series of street battles was waged, the push for homosexual men and women to become fully vested participants in the American dream has been a steady struggle for recognition and acceptance. On May 9, 2012, President Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage. The president’s decision would never have come about without the thousands upon thousands of brave men and women who risked their comfort and security to press for equal civil rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. Click through for a dozen gay rights activists who have stood out—out and proud—in their sacrifice and dedication, year after year. Photo: Bettye Lane, First Run Features
