In June 1969, the Stonewall riots erupted in New York City, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This historic event has captured the imagination of people around the world and has given rise to numerous stories and myths surrounding what truly transpired that night. In this section, we aim to debunk these myths and shed light on the reality of what happened at Stonewall.

One particular myth that has endured is the belief that Judy Garland's untimely death just days before the riots played a significant role in galvanizing the LGBTQ+ community to action. Another commonly held belief is that there were individuals engaging in "bent over nudes'' within the Stonewall Inn at the time it was raided by police.

By examining first-hand accounts from one of the original protesters who participated in those transformative nights, we can separate fact from fiction and gain a deeper understanding of this seminal moment in queer history. Let's explore what really happened during the Stonewall riots and uncover how they paved the way for progress and acceptance within LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.