"On April 21, 1966, men from the Mattachine Society walked into a New York City bar, told the bartender they were homosexual, and asked to be served. The bartender refused the men because of their sexuality, despite the venue being a popular hangout for the LGBTQ community."
"This act of civil disobedience challenged discriminatory policies and helped pave the way for legal changes, occurring three years before the Stonewall Riots. The press picked up on the story, leading to the State Liquor Authority backing down on its discriminatory policy."
"Despite the refusal of service from that bartender on that night, Julius' Bar has been a welcoming venue for NYC's LGBTQ community ever since. It is now the oldest, continually operating gay bar in the city."
The sip-in protest occurred on April 21, 1966, when members of the Mattachine Society entered Julius Bar, declared their homosexuality, and were denied service. This act of civil disobedience challenged discriminatory policies against homosexuals in New York City. The refusal to serve was captured in a famous photograph, leading to media attention and eventual changes in state liquor laws. Julius Bar has since become a historic venue for the LGBTQ community, celebrating its legacy with a recreation of the iconic protest photo on its 60th anniversary.
Read at Queerty
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