Nancy Pelosi honours iconic LGBT+ Americans for 50th anniversary of Stonewall riots
'We’ll be sharing stories of iconic LGBTQ Americans who left their mark on America and remind us what Pride is all about'
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Your support makes all the difference.US speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said she will be paying tribute to notable members of the LGBT+ community to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.
The American politician, who has been a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community for several years, made her announcement on Twitter.
"This week, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, we'll be sharing stories of iconic LGBTQ Americans who left their mark on America and remind us what #Pride is all about. Hope you enjoy!" Pelosi wrote.
In a follow-up tweet, Pelosi revealed that the first person she would be honouring was Harvey Milk, an American politician who became the first openly gay individual to become an elected official in California.
Milk championed the rights of the LGBT+ community, before being shot and killed at the age of 48 on 27 November 1978.
"40 years after his assassination, Milk's legacy continues to inspire generations of LGBTQ Americans," the Democrat tweeted.
On 28 June 1969, the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City was raided by police, an event which sparked a series of riots which propelled the LGBT+ rights movement.
The bar was a well-known hangout spot for the gay community in New York.
Earlier this month, the New York Police Department apologised for the violence which occurred during the Stonewall Inn raid.
"The actions taken by the NYPD were wrong, plain and simple," said James O'Neill, commissioner of the NYPD.
"The actions and the laws were discriminatory and oppressive, and for that, I apologise."
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, 50 LGBT+ people have explained what 1969 event means to them today. To read more, click here.
Join The Independent for a panel discussion and Q&A, where we ask: what is the role of Pride in 2019? Speakers include Asifa Lahore, Britain’s First Out Muslim Drag Queen and trans activist, and human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell.
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