A number of years ago, I was in New York for the 25th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.I saw a man holding up a sign with a gorgeous picture of Judy Garland on it that simply said...
"Death of a Legend.
Birth of a Movement."
Birth of a Movement."
They can debunk the belief that after Judy Garland's death, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn weren't going to take another police raid. I believe Judy's death motivated them to riot.
And these weren't the "Will Truman" gays who rioted. These were the fairies, the drag queens and the bull dykes. They are the ones who stood up to the corrupt police. We have THEM to thank for any "Gay Rights" we have in this country.
And I believe in my heart of hearts that the death of Judy Garland created the spark that ignited that riot.
So today on Gay Pride Day here in Chicago, let's remember Francis Ethel Gumm...
And the woman she became...
Judy Garland...
And let's remember the fairies and drag queens and bull dykes.
Today - - and all days - - let's celebrate our fabulous differences.
7 comments:
That was brilliant. Really brilliant Stephen.
Francis Ethel Gumm, born in Murfreesboro, TN. There will never be another one like her.
Beautiful!
Wait.....is that Leif Garrett?
Alex & Whim - Thank you and Happy Pride!!
Lance's Friend - Amen!!! There never has been and never will be another Judy Garland.
Michael - It isn't Leif, but he'll do. He'll DEFINITELY do. :)
I wonder what Judy would think of today's brand of vicious, drug-using twinks, who scoff at her legacy and hump the leg of any Madonna cutout they can find...
Aaron - I think Judy would probably say "Why do you like this "Madonna" person. She can't sing!"
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