Watch Before Stonewall

Before Stonewall is a 1984 documentary film that showcases the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States prior to the Stonewall riots of 1969. The film features interviews with activists, historians, and individuals who lived through the era, as well as archival footage and photographs. The film opens by providing context for the repression that LGBTQ+ individuals faced in the pre-Stonewall era, including legal and social discrimination, police harassment, and violence. Viewers are introduced to numerous individuals who had to navigate a world that didn't accept them, including cultural figures like Allen Ginsberg, Barbara Gittings, and Harry Hay.

As the documentary progresses, it delves into the myriad ways in which LGBTQ+ people sought to carve out spaces for themselves and questioned societal norms. The film highlights the lives of individuals who created social spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, including drag balls and bars, and the critical role that these areas played in providing a sense of belonging.

Before Stonewall features several key moments in LGBTQ+ history leading up to the Stonewall riots. Viewers see footage of events like the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria riot in San Francisco, where transgender patrons fought back against police harassment, as well as the Black Cat Tavern raid in Los Angeles in 1967, which spurred a wave of protests and political organizing.

The documentary also explores the political landscape leading up to Stonewall, including the formation of groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis, the first national LGBTQ+ organizations in the United States. These groups advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and worked to dismantle homophobic laws and policies that hindered the community.

Before Stonewall gives a voice to the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals during the pre-Stonewall era. The film showcases interviews with activists, politicians, and individuals who had to navigate a society that didn't accept them, like civil rights leader and gay activist Bayard Rustin. The documentary also explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality and how they influenced the experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

Throughout the film, viewers witness the courage and tenacity of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights in the face of pervasive societal discrimination. The documentary provides a valuable historical perspective on the triumphs and setbacks of the LGBTQ+ rights movement before Stonewall and situates the landmark event within a broader historical context.

Before Stonewall is a powerful tribute to the resilience and bravery of the LGBTQ+ community during an era of widespread oppression. The film is a vital testament to the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and paved the way for the progress that we see today.

Before Stonewall is a 1984 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.