The Dewey’s lunch counter sit-ins in Philadelphia in 1965 may not be as well-known as the Stonewall riots that took place in New York City four years later, but they were just as significant in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The sit-ins at Dewey’s marked one of the first times that LGBTQ+ individuals publicly protested against discrimination and harassment, laying the groundwork for the Stonewall uprising and subsequent social movements that followed.

Before Stonewall, LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination and marginalization in American society. They were often forced to live in fear and secrecy, hiding their true selves in order to avoid persecution. But the Dewey’s sit-ins, organized by members of the LGBTQ+ community, were a groundbreaking moment in the struggle for visibility and equality.

On April 25, 1965, a group of LGBTQ+ activists and allies staged a sit-in at Dewey’s lunch counter, a popular spot in Philadelphia known for its discrimination against LGBTQ+ customers. The protesters demanded to be served alongside other patrons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The sit-in sparked a series of demonstrations and protests in support of LGBTQ+ rights, and it marked a turning point in the fight for equality.

The Dewey’s sit-ins were crucial in shaping the LGBTQ+ social movements that followed, including the Stonewall riots in 1969. The protests at Dewey’s inspired other LGBTQ+ individuals to speak out against discrimination and to demand their rights, ultimately leading to the birth of a vibrant and powerful movement for LGBTQ+ equality.

The legacy of the Dewey’s sit-ins can be seen in the progress that has been made in recent decades in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. From the legalization of same-sex marriage to the passage of anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, the impact of these early protests is still felt today.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, it is important to remember the Dewey’s sit-ins and the activists who bravely stood up for their rights in the face of discrimination and oppression. Their courage and determination paved the way for the LGBTQ+ social movements that continue to push for a more inclusive and just society for all.