One night 35 years ago, the Stonewall Inn was the scene for protests against police harassment that sparked the gay rights movement. Until now, the story of Stonewall has never been told from the point of view of the street cops. Now those men have held a reunion, and retired officer Frank Toscano has also written a screenplay about that night. NPR's Margot Adler reports.
Arturo's Restaurant hosts reunion of retired police officers Frank Toscano (left), Frank Belloti and Richie Carletti.
Margot Adler, NPR
Frank Toscano's play being read at a Manhattan playhouse.
Margot Adler, NPR
Frank Toscano with Williamson Henderson, president of the STONEWALL Veterans Association.
Margot Adler, NPR
One night 35 years ago, the Stonewall Inn -- a mafia-run gay bar in Greenwich Village -- was the scene for protests against police harassment. The events of that night, and the days of demonstrations that followed, became a catalyst for the gay rights movement.
Decades later, those who were there remember the night's dramatic events well -- both the Stonewall veterans of those first gay rights protests as well as the police officers called to the scene.
But until now, the story of Stonewall has never been told from the point of view of the street cops. Now those men have held a reunion, and retired officer Frank Toscano has also written a screenplay about that night.
NPR's Margot Adler attended the meeting to speak with Toscano, his former colleagues and their new friends.
9(MDA1MTczMTM4MDEyNzM1OTUxMzg5ZDUyMw004))
Filed in:
'Please, No More Clothes': Okla. Asks For Monetary Donations
The aid that has been sent to Moore since the deadly tornado is not always what's needed most.READ MORE
Obama Keeps Distance From Torture Debate, At Least For Now
The president banned enhanced interrogation, but he's largely avoided saying whether it ever worked.READ MORE
Gals Who Grill: What Will It Take For Women To Man The Q?
It's the "only male-dominated appliance in America," says a researcher who crunched the numbers.READ MORE
Court Rules That Arizona Sheriff Engages In Racial Profiling
Judge says Sheriff Joe Arpaio's crackdown on illegal immigration violated the rights of Latinos.READ MORE
Toronto Mayor: 'I Do Not Use Crack Cocaine'
Rob Ford has denied using the drug after a video surfaced that purports to show him smoking crack.READ MORE
Obama's Terrorism Fight Is Colored Gray, Not Black And White
If Obama's recalibrated counterterrorism policy demonstrates anything, it's his nuanced approach.READ MORE




