50th anniversary of the LGBT Civil Rights movement

Independence Hall, July 4, 2015

(Philadelphia, PA) The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the LGBT civil rights movement at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, will be held July 4. The 50th Anniversary festivities, Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5, include panels, LGBT history exhibits, parties, a festival and special events. The highlight will be the 50th Anniversary Ceremony on a large stage in front of Independence Hall, on Saturday, July 4.

“It is fitting that the City of Philadelphia will host one of the largest celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the LGBT Rights Movement next July,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “The Fourth of July is typically a day of celebration, barbecues and fireworks, but it should also be a day of contemplation of our great nation’s democratic values like freedom, justice and equality for all - which will provide the perfect backdrop to reflect upon the gains made by the LGBT community since the very beginning.”

The LGBT civil rights movement began when activists from New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia protested for equality each Fourth of July from 1965 to 1969 in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was the first time that activists from more than one city openly identified as gay and called for equality. The demonstrations, which were called “Annual Reminders,” were spearheaded by Washington’s Frank Kameny and Philadelphia’s Barbara Gittings. Kameny and Gittings are recognized as the father and mother of the LGBT civil rights movement.

WHYY/PBS and Equality Forum co-produced Gay Pioneers, a documentary about the Annual Reminders and how these protests laid the groundwork for Stonewall in 1969. There is a Gay Pioneers historic marker directly across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Pavilion that designates the site as where the gay civil rights movement was launched.

“The 50th Anniversary will commemorate the Gay Pioneers and celebrate 50 years of civil rights progress,” stated Malcolm Lazin, 50th Anniversary chair. “When 40 activists protested on the Fourth of July, 1965, it was the largest-ever gathering of gays and lesbians petitioning for equality. The 50th Anniversary is an inclusive celebration. It will reflect the leadership and diversity of the LGBT civil rights movement. The organizing committee has solicited advice from grassroots to national organizations and will highlight movement leadership throughout the celebration.”

Meryl Levitz, Visit Philly president, said, “Since the country’s inception, Philadelphia has been at the forefront fighting for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. On July 4, 1965, the gay community chose Philadelphia as the site, in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, to call attention to the injustices against them. Fifty years later, we are proud to celebrate their bravery, determination and the role that Philadelphia had in that pursuit.”

“The mission of the National Park Service is to safeguard the places core to our nation’s heritage and to tell the stories of our shared past,” said Cynthia MacLeod, superintendent of Independence National Historical Park. “Independence Hall has long served as a symbol for freedom and liberty, a place where individuals have gathered to air their grievances and work together to effect change. The protests of 1965 were one such event. We are honored to be able to participate in the celebration of this significant historical moment.”

For additional information, visit www.LGBT50th.org and www.gaypioneers.com.

The Gayly – June 21, 2015 @ 11am.