On June 27, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, fought back after police raided the place under the pretense of searching for violations of alcohol control laws. Protests grew over the next three days, and later became known as the Stonewall Rebellion. It's commemoration has evolved into a celebration of freedom and support for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, and the last week of June has become Gay Pride Week.

Over the years and continuing today, the rights of gays, lesbians and transgenders are still abused throughout the world. Let's celebrate the brave people who continue to fight the system in the ongoing struggle for equality.

"My lover and I were stunned and thrilled to see our own kind talking back, berating the cops, and throwing pennies. After seeing the gratuitous bloody beatings in front of us and being called names, we began throwing bricks and cobblestones at the bar, which suddenly became the symbol of our oppression. ... Gay human rights was a need whose time had come. We were weary and angry about the constant fear and harassment we had suffered for many years."

-- Stephen van Cline, who was at the Stonewall Rebellion