Just after 3 a.m., on June 29 1969, a police raid of the Stonewall Inn—a New York City gay club—turns violent as patrons and local sympathizers begin rioting against the police.

This was followed by several days of demonstrations and was the impetus for the formation of the Gay Liberation Front as well as other gay, lesbian and bisexual civil rights organizations.

It’s also regarded as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for homosexuals. On June 29th 2019, Heartland Pride will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half-century of LGBT+ liberation.

Stay tuned for more information throughout the year.