In the summer of 1969, a 17-year-old Rusty Rose stepped into the Stonewall Inn for the first time, unaware that she was about to witness a pivotal moment in history. Decades later, Rose shares her story, offering a rare glimpse into the events that unfolded inside the iconic gay bar on that fateful night.
Rose’s journey to the Stonewall Inn began when she was just 15 years old. Having moved from Brooklyn to Long Island, she found the suburban life stifling. Seeking the vibrant energy of the city, she would take the train to the Village on weekends, bringing her tambourine to sing in Washington Square. It was there that she befriended Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, and other transgender individuals who would become central figures in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Night at the Stonewall Inn
On June 27, 1969, Rose accompanied an older woman named Vinnie to the Stonewall Inn. Vinnie, a butch lesbian, was known for her striking appearance and muscular build. The two entered the bar, which consisted of two rooms, each with a bar and dance floor. Rose noticed several drag queens and transvestites sitting at the front bar, as well as a few other women.
As the night progressed, plainclothes police officers entered the bar, signaling the start of a raid. The music stopped, the lights went on, and the officers began asking for identification and writing court summonses for underage patrons. Rose and her friends were among those held back by the police, who were targeting individuals they deemed inappropriately dressed.
The Chaos Erupts
The situation quickly escalated into chaos. Vinnie and the other patrons refused to comply with the police, leading to a physical altercation. Rose, who had some boxing experience, found herself in the midst of the struggle. She recalled being shoved against the wall and a police officer grabbing her by the shirt. In a moment of instinct, she threw her glass of soda, breaking a mirror and ripping a poster.
The tension outside the bar grew as a crowd gathered. Projectiles were thrown, and the police retreated back inside. The situation inside the bar was equally volatile, with patrons breaking chairs and shouting at the officers. The police responded with force, using billy clubs to subdue the crowd. Rose and Vinnie were among those beaten and dragged outside towards the paddy wagon.
The Aftermath
Rose managed to escape the police, but she never saw Vinnie again. Years later, she connected with Christy Henderson Jenkins, a Black trans woman who remembered Vinnie and Rose from Washington Square. Jenkins told Rose that she had seen Vinnie at the police station after the raid, but what happened next remains a mystery.
Rose’s story is a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who fought back against police brutality at the Stonewall Inn. It is a story that deserves to be heard and remembered, as it sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of lesbians and transgender individuals in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
