Sunday, October 26, 2014

Term Paper Season in Stonewall

As more than half the semester is behind me, that can only mean one thing ahead-- term papers. You might be surprised to find that I am not in mourning over this, but in fact am very excited to learn more. For my historical methods class, I will be writing my term paper about the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City in 1969.

The infamous Stonewall Inn
I do not know much about the Stonewall Riots other than the popular details: it was the beginning of the gay rights movement in the US, it took place at the Stonewall Inn, and it was started by a group of drag queens, male prostitutes, homeless youth, and other such groups. I do not know the scale of the riots nor the circumstances surrounding the riots. However, I am excited to learn more, and I am ready to start research.

So far, I have found a critically acclaimed primary source written by author David Carter called Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution. It contains first hand accounts of the riots from rioters and bystanders, but it also explores the circumstances surrounding the riots including: the everyday treatment of LGBT people, the legislation in place targeting LGBT people, and what exactly sparked the riots. In that sense, this book functions as both a primary and secondary source.

Besides this primary source, I am looking up any information I can find in my college's library, and it seems like I will have no problem finding resources. For the first time in my life, I may even cite a documentary! All in all, I am excited to dive in.

The Stonewall Riots in action

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2 comments:

  1. AngelineOctober 26, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    This looks really exciting! I have to say, for a moment after I read your title, I thought (maybe) you were writing on Stonewall Jackson. But then I read further and saw that you were writing on the Stonewall Riots, which definitely fits with what you've blogged about in the past. I think this is a great topic for you, and I can't wait to see what you do with it! (I'm also super jealous that you have a documentary - the most I get is a Hollywood film - the joys of writing a paper on an event from 1865 :) )

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  2. UnknownOctober 27, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    I would love to read your paper if you do it on this. I have never heard of the Stonewell Riots and honestly didn't think the gay rights movement began till like the 80s so it's really cool to hear that this happened in 1865! Good luck! You'll do great.

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