OutCasting guest Andy Humm

Part 1  — June 1, 2019 — Mid 20th century activism through the Stonewall uprising in 1969.

Part 2 — July 1, 2019 — Post-uprising through the height of the AIDS crisis.

Part 3  — August 1, 2019 — HIV/AIDS becomes manageable through marriage equality and current activism, and the future, including a gay teen perspective from OutCaster Alex.

During the 1960s, gay bars like the Stonewall Inn in New York City were some of the only places where LGBTQ people could meet with each other and simply be themselves.  This included people who had been kicked out of their homes for being LGBTQ, or people who feared losing their homes, jobs, or families if they were found out.  At this time, it was common for the police to raid gay bars, arresting patrons for cross-dressing or for dancing with a member of the same sex. 

When one such raid happened on the Stonewall Inn in June 1969, the people inside fought back against the police, sparking riots outside the bar that lasted for the next several nights.  In the aftermath of the Stonewall uprising, many LGBTQ rights groups were formed, and the  Stonewall uprising is often cited as a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement.  While it may not have caused a turning point, it certainly marked one.

The Stonewall Inn, 1969.  Photo by Diana Davies via New York Public Library

In June 2019, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, and we want to reflect on how we’ve gotten to where we are today with LGBTQ rights in the United States.  In this OutCasting series, OutCaster Andrew speaks with the renowned journalist and activist Andy Humm about the historical progression of LGBTQ life and activism since before Stonewall.  Andy is co-host of the television show Gay USA with Ann Northrop, who was interviewed on our earlier OutCasting series on LGBTQ women in AIDS activism.

This is a three part series being released in June, July, and August 2019 in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

The current Stonewall Inn, photographed during a rally in February 2017

• Previous episode:  Transgender teen sues school for discrimination — guests Drew Adams and Tara Borelli talk with OutCaster Andrew
• Next episode:  New York State's new gender equality law — guest Juli Grey-Owens talks with OutCaster Alex