There is no doubt that what is now called "the Stonewall Riots" was a kariotic event in the queer rights movement. Yet, among the general body politic it passed almost unnoticed. While the hype 50 years later suggest that it was the seminal event of the modern queer liberation movement. It is important to note that there were significant precursor events elsewhere, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Perhaps it was the time and place -- in the midst of the anti-Vietnam and civil rights movements, and the preeminently media center of the nation, if not the world.
A close friend (who recently died) tells his story of the Stonewall riots: he and his then boyfriend were at the Stonewall earlier in the evening; they had a tiff (he can't remember over what) and left early in a huff; he ever after ruing the day that he missed what would have been one of the most important events of his life.
In 1969 my family had just relocated to far suburban Long Island, and I was very closeted. It would be several years before I began the coming out process, and became more aware of movement issues,