The Spark of Stonewall: The Story of Stormé DeLarverie
- Terrell Womack
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Hello Hello Hello our Family, Friends, Allies and our AngelicTroublemakers out there. Hope everyone has been good and the vibes are chill. Let's get into highlighting an important and impactful person who fought protecting our LGBTQ communities.
If you have ever celebrated Pride, you have (Stormé DeLarverie) to thank. Often called the "Rosa Parks of the gay community," she was the fierce, drag-performing lesbian whose refusal to back down from police brutality sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Who Was Stormé?
Born in 1920, Stormé was a performer and a trailblazer. In the 1950s and '60s, she toured the country as a *drag king*—a woman performing in sharp, tailored men's suits—with the Jewel Box Revue, America's first racially integrated drag show. At a time when it was actually illegal in
New York for people to wear clothes that didn't match their assigned sex at birth, Stormé defied the rules simply by being herself.
The Night That Changed History
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the *Stonewall Inn*, a gay bar in New York City. As police aggressively dragged patrons outside, an officer shoved Stormé and struck her over the head with a baton.
Instead of backing down, Stormé punched him back. Bleeding and being forced into a police car, she looked at the crowd of onlookers and shouted:
"Why don't you guys do something?!
Those words ignited the crowd and the people began fighting back with coins, bottles, and stones. The historic **Stonewall Uprising** had begun.
A Lifetime Protector
After Stonewall, Stormé dedicated her life to protecting her community. Well into her 80s, she worked as a bodyguard and bouncer, patrolling the streets of Greenwich Village to protect young LGBTQ+ people from bullying and violence.
Conclusion
Stormé DeLarverie passed away in 2014 at the age of 93. She never sought out fame; she simply believed in standing up for what was right. Her legendary punch and her call to action proved that one person's courage can spark a revolution. Until next time our AngelicTroublemakers, comment below if you enjoyed this blog and make sure to check out our other blogs as well. Make sure to share share share!!!!!!
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