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Rioter Reflects on Stonewall 40 Years Later

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2009 7:40 PM CDT
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(Newser) – As New York City gears up for the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, one of the original protesters admits he never thought "it would turn out to be much of anything," the AP reports. Raymond Castro, now living with his partner of 30 years, says the crowd on June 28, 1969, inspired him to resist arrest outside the Stonewall Inn—a fate patrons normally accepted. "Or maybe at that point enough was enough."

Newly released police reports confirm that a woman, Marilyn Fowler, was a main instigator of the riot that galvanized the gay rights movement in America. Castro isn't a bit surprised. "It wasn't just gays," he says. Now living outside of St. Petersburg, Fla., Castro is encouraged by gay rights, but saddened by a recent state ban on same-sex marriage. "I hope that I see it in Florida some day."

This document provided by OutHistory.Org shows a New York Police Department complaint report naming Raymond Castro and two others as wanted persons after police raided the Stonewall Inn in 1969.
This document provided by OutHistory.Org shows a New York Police Department complaint report naming Raymond Castro and two others as wanted persons after police raided the Stonewall Inn in 1969.   (AP Photo/OutHistory.Org)
In this photo provided by Raymond Castro, shows Raymond Castro in the mid-1960's.
In this photo provided by Raymond Castro, shows Raymond Castro in the mid-1960's.   (AP Photo/Raymond Castro)
In this Friday June 26, 2009 photo, Raymond Castro, shown at his home in Madiera Beach, Fla., was a regular at The Stonewall Inn in 1969.
In this Friday June 26, 2009 photo, Raymond Castro, shown at his home in Madiera Beach, Fla., was a regular at The Stonewall Inn in 1969.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Mr.C
Jun 28, 2009 9:46 AM CDT
please spam the email address of aclepd: aclepd@aclepd.com
brawne
Jun 28, 2009 5:04 AM CDT
SISTER!!!!
Mad
Jun 28, 2009 4:47 AM CDT
That's a "no shitter" Sister Deebles. The word 'abortion' was never uttered in the Congressional Record till AFTER they (congress) grudgingly allow women the right to vote. Had to find a way to subjugate women somehow

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US

 
gay rights • gay marriage • New York City • riots • Stonewall Rebellion

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