Visibility Matters
Remembering Stonewall and Stormé DeLarverie
By Sarah Bahnson , LGBTQI+ Initiatives Specialist Every year during Pride month we remember the Stonewall Uprising, the rebellion that galvanized activism around LGBTQ rights. Beginning on June 28th, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, patrons began to rail against police during an unexpected raid. Angry with police harassment, social discrimination, and dress code statutes that subjected cross- dressing patrons to “sex checks” in the bathrooms, the crowd was ready to take a stand. So. AZ Senior Pride celebrating, supporting and uniting LGBTQI+ older adults (520) 312-8923; info@soazseniorpride.org There are many events each month, so check out our website: soazseniorpride.org Masks now optional for all in-person, indoor events According to witnesses, one of the 13 arrested that night was a woman who escaped several times while police attempted to escort her to the police wagon. Yelling that her handcuffs were too tight, she was struck in the head with a baton. Bleeding and angry the woman shouted at the crowd, “Why don’t you do something?” After she was picked up and placed in the wagon, the crowd ignited with protests that continued for six nights and spurred what is largely considered to be the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ Rights Movement. Stormé DeLarverie was the woman that sparked the crowd that night. While there are many leaders
On-going events: Advance registration required to attend: soazseniorpride.org GBTQI+ Mens Loss Group ; weekly on Tuesday; 1:30–3pm; in-person LBTQI+ Women’s Grief Support ; weekly on Monday; Noon-1:30pm; in-person Gayme Day; second Tuessday; 1–3pm; in-person in this uprising and subsequent activism, Stormé’s actions triggered the rebellion against the violence, harassment, discrimination, fines, and imprisonment experienced by the LGBTQ community. Stormé DeLarverie was born in 1920 to a wealthy white father and an African American mother who was a servant for her father’s family. She learned at a young age to embrace the adversity experienced when one doesn’t quite fit into social expectations. Stormé said of her childhood that she was beaten up by white kids and black kids, “…for being a [black kid] with a white face,” not feeling accepted in either place. A theme that would re-emerge in the years to come. From 1955 to 1969, Stormé toured with the Jewel Box Revue, a variety performance show in which she was the MC and the only male impersonator in a variety show of female impersonators. She was one of our first modern drag kings, then called male impersonators, and she performed in one of the first integrated showcases. At the time, dress code statutes impacted gender impersonators (drag performers), including Stormé. Twice arrested while wearing women’s
Aging with Pride
Book Club ; third Wednesday; 2–3:30pm; via Zoom Gathering in Himmel Park ; third Saturday; time varies; in-person Walk and Roll ; Enjoy an outdoor activity with friendly people; third Monday; time varies; in-person Community Potluck ; last Saturday; Noon-1:30pm; in-person clothes because police thought she was a female impersonator. After her first two arrests, she wore what she wanted but was still detained for wearing men’s apparel on several occasions. After the Stonewall Uprising, Stormé left her job as an entertainer and became known for patrolling gay clubs and bars on the lookout for intolerance and ready to protect her community from violence and harassment. She was a founding member of the Stonewall Veteran’s Association and was active in Pride Parades throughout the rest of her life. Stormé died in her home in 2014. Storme’s legacy lives on. Her contributions helped shape a world in which respect and dignity for LGBTQI+ older adults are valued. PCOA is proud to have LGBTQI+ Initiatives to ensure our programs and services are responsive to the needs and concerns of LGBTQI+ older adults and their families.
Page 28 | July 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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