Gene Compton's Cafeteria
gene compton's cafeteria
During the 1940s to the 1970s, Gene Compton opens a cafeteria name Gene Compton’s Cafeteria which changes history and becomes a turning point for gay rights. Even though gay bars were everywhere, transgenders were not welcomed at all. With a round-the-clock schedule, transgenders known as hair fairies were welcomed to stop by anytime until the rebellion took place. Cross-dressing being against the law gave officers a justification to close down bars. Vanguard being the first gay youth organization and Street Orphans whom were a group of lesbians were formed by ministers that worked with Glide Memorial Church rioted against the police. As the level of anger and resentment increases, a riot breaks out becoming a major turning point in the LGBT movement. Cited by glbtq.com, an online encyclopeodia, claims numerous social, medical, and psychological services were available to transgenders after suffering through a traumatizing event. In 1968, these services developed into the National Transsexual Counseling Unit filled with supportive peers and advocates.
In 1966, drag queens caused a commotion at a coffee shop located in the Tenderloin. While most gay bars did not permit drag queens, gay street hustlers, and transgenders, Gene Compton’s Cafeteria allowed them to stop by and linger for drinks at a reasonable rate with round-the-clock hours and accepting management. Compton’s was the centre for them all to have a place to meet.
During 1966, The Castro still had its first immigrants whom were a working-class Irish neighborhood. Gay rights movement cease to exist at that time and the neighborhood remains classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder for seven straight year. Compared to The Castro, The Tenderloin neighborhood was run down which consisted people who were lower class. Historian and filmmaker Susan Stryker explains, “The place to go for sex and drugs and late night fun.”
July 1966, an organization mainly consisted of hustlers and drag queens named Vanguard got together at Compton’s Cafeteria expressing political views and attitudes yet management disapproved of such behavior. On July 18, Vanguard protests after being forced out.
July 1966, an organization mainly consisted of hustlers and drag queens named Vanguard got together at Compton’s Cafeteria expressing political views and attitudes yet management disapproved of such behavior. On July 18, Vanguard protests after being forced out.
Sources for pictures:
1. http://www.groceteria.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1890
2. http://transhouston.com/tgcenter/data/2009.12/003a.JPG
1. http://www.groceteria.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1890
2. http://transhouston.com/tgcenter/data/2009.12/003a.JPG