White Night riots

Rioters outside San Francisco City Hall May 21 1979

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SFCityHall

White Night riots

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Prop 8 Rally in Market St

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Aids Quilt

White Night Riots refer to a series of violent events that occurred in San Francisco, California, on the evening of May 21, 1979, and into the following day. These riots were a response to the voluntary manslaughter verdict for Dan White, a former San Francisco Supervisor, who assassinated Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official, and George Moscone, the Mayor of San Francisco, on November 27, 1978. The leniency of White's sentence, which was seen as a gross miscarriage of justice by many, especially within the LGBT community, led to widespread outrage and ultimately the riots.

Background

Harvey Milk was a prominent gay rights activist and the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. George Moscone was the Mayor of San Francisco who had appointed Milk to the position. Dan White, also a member of the Board of Supervisors, had resigned from his position and later sought to be reappointed. His request was denied, partly due to lobbying by Milk. On November 27, 1978, White entered City Hall and assassinated both Moscone and Milk.

The Trial and Verdict

Dan White's trial commenced in 1979, and his defense argued that he suffered from diminished capacity due to depression, a condition they infamously attributed to his consumption of junk food, later dubbed the "Twinkie Defense." On May 21, 1979, White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter rather than first-degree murder. The verdict implied that White would serve a much shorter sentence than many expected, leading to immediate public outcry.

The Riots

The announcement of the verdict led to a spontaneous gathering of thousands of people in San Francisco's Castro District, a hub of the LGBTQ+ community. The peaceful protest quickly escalated into a riot, with demonstrators marching to City Hall. The rioters clashed with the police, resulting in property damage, injuries, and arrests. The events of that night highlighted the tensions between the city's LGBTQ+ community and the police, and underscored the community's frustration with the legal system.

Aftermath

The White Night Riots marked a significant moment in the history of LGBTQ+ rights and activism in the United States. The events led to increased visibility for LGBTQ+ issues and contributed to the mobilization of the community. In the years following, Harvey Milk's legacy and the injustices highlighted by the riots have continued to inspire activism and legislation aimed at protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Legacy

Today, the White Night Riots are remembered as a pivotal moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. The riots are commemorated in various ways, including marches, exhibitions, and educational programs. They serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice for LGBTQ+ people around the world.