The Gran Varones is a legacy project that uses video and photography to tell the stories of Latino & Afro-Latino Gay, Queer and Trans men. Our stories shine light on what being “out” and “proud” means to us, our families, and our communities.
On Friday evening, June 27, 1969, the New York City tactical police force raided a popular Greenwich Village gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. Raids were not unusual in 1969; in fact, they were conducted regularly without much resistance. However, that night the street erupted into violent protest as the crowds in the bar fought back. The backlash and several nights of protest that followed have come to… be known as the Stonewall Riots. This marked the beginning of the gay liberation movement that has transformed the oppression of the queer community into calls for pride and action.
Today we raise up all the courageous queens, dykes, trans*, men, women and allies who rioted at Stonewall so that the stones of oppression could fall. Love and light to the warriors in Ferguson and beyond who stand up against the wind so that freedom and power are experienced by everyone.