Background White Night riots

1 background

1.1 gay history of san francisco
1.2 gay activism in san francisco
1.3 political clout
1.4 assassinations

background
gay history of san francisco

the american settlers moved west toward california in 18th , 19th centuries largely male prospectors , miners. events such california gold rush created broadly male society in region. romantic friendships common, , tolerated. san francisco settled ratio of men women remained disproportionately high, resulting in growth of culture more open-minded towards homosexuality. city s notorious brothel district – named barbary coast – earned city reputation lawless , amoral society leading san francisco becoming known sodom sea.

the end of prohibition prompted opening of several gay bars along north beach. notable of these black cat female impersonation shows became main draw, , lesbian bar known mona s.

during world war ii, san francisco became major debarkation point servicemen stationed in pacific theater. u.s. military, concerned male homosexuality, had policy of dismissing servicemen caught in known gay establishments blue discharges. many of these men faced ostracism communities , families, chose remain in city. number of men remained significant factor in creation of homosexual community in san francisco.

gay activism in san francisco

in 1951, california supreme court affirmed in stoumen v. reilly right of homosexuals assemble peacefully. assist homosexuals legal problems, in 1951 labor activist harry hay started mattachine society, living room in los angeles. few years later, phyllis lyon , del martin started daughters of bilitis 6 other women in san francisco, have place socialize without fear of harassment or arrest. within few years, both organizations learned of each other , grew have similar goals: helping assimilate homosexuals general society, working legal reform repeal sodomy laws, , assisting arrested. both groups headquartered in san francisco 1957.

police continued arrest homosexuals in large numbers, routinely bringing paddy wagons gay bars , arresting patrons. charges dismissed arrested lost anonymity when newspapers printed names, addresses , places of employment. officers notified employer , family of accused, causing serious damage reputations.

in 1964, new year s eve benefit event held council on religion , homosexual. police stood outside large floodlights, , in effort intimidate took photographs of entering building. later, several officers demanded allowed inside. 3 lawyers explained them under california law, event private party , not enter unless bought tickets. lawyers arrested. several ministers in attendance held press conference next morning, likening sfpd gestapo. catholic archbishop condemned actions of police. in attempt reduce such harassment 2 officers tasked improving police department s relationship gay community.

the mattachine society , daughters of bilitis promoted non-confrontational education homosexuals , heterosexuals, hoping prove homosexuals respectable , normal. living beyond white, middle class scope of these groups active community of cross-dressers, hustlers, , street queens worked in tenderloin district of city. after being denied service @ gene compton s cafeteria, few activists picketed restaurant in 1966. few days later, in morning, police arrived arrest patrons in drag. riot ensued when drag queen threw contents of cup of coffee in face of police officer in response officer s grabbing of arm. cafe s plate glass windows shattered in melée, , again few days later after had been replaced. although 3 years later stonewall riots have more significant impact, compton s cafeteria riots among first in american history homosexuals , newly forming transgender community fought against authorities.

political clout

san francisco continued grow haven homosexuals. north beach , polk street had been quiet neighborhoods each large homosexual population, in 1960s growth of castro district outpaced either of them. thousands of gay men migrated san francisco, turning quiet irish working-class neighborhood around castro street bustling center of activity. meanwhile, many lesbians moved homes , businesses nearby valencia street in mission district. new yorker harvey milk resettled on castro street in 1972, , opened castro camera following year. dissatisfied level of bureaucratic apathy , indifference toward gay community, milk decided run city supervisor. through multiple campaigns, culminating in 1977 election, became political voice gay community, promoting himself mayor of castro street. 1977, 25 percent of population of san francisco reported gay.

on labor day of 1974, tensions between gay community , sfpd came head when man beaten , arrested while walking down castro street. police reinforcements appeared on street, badge numbers hidden, , beat dozens of gay men. of these, 14 arrested , charged obstructing sidewalk. harvey milk dubbed them castro 14 , , $1.375 million lawsuit filed against police.

in 1975, after george moscone had been elected mayor, appointed charles gain chief of police. gain, conciliatory position towards african americans had branded him 1 of liberal law enforcement officers in country, earned ire of police force. gain implemented policies proved unpopular staff, such painting police cars powder blue, , barring officers drinking on job. lenient policies towards gays angered police force. when asked if gay police officer came out, gain replied think gay policeman front under me. if had gay policeman came out, support him 100 percent. statement sent shockwaves through police department, , made national headlines. made during first week of gain s tenure, remark made mayor moscone extremely unpopular police. 2 intensely disliked police in 1977 rumors circulated plan right-wing police officers assassinate gain, , year later similar plans formed targeting mayor moscone. upon being informed of threat, moscone hired bodyguard.

assassinations


san francisco city hall, killings took place. building heavily damaged during riots.

dissatisfied city politics, , in financial difficulty due failing restaurant business , low annual salary of $9,600, former police officer , supervisor dan white resigned san francisco board of supervisors on november 10, 1978. however, after meeting police officers association , board of realtors, white announced wanted seat back. liberal supervisors saw opportunity end 6-5 split on board blocked progressive initiatives wanted introduce. after intense lobbying supervisors milk , silver, state assemblyman willie brown, moscone announced on november 26, 1978, not reappointing dan white seat had vacated.

the next morning white went city hall armed police .38 smith & wesson revolver , 10 cartridges in coat pocket. avoid metal detector entered building through basement window, , proceeded office of mayor george moscone. following brief argument, white shot mayor in shoulder , chest, , twice in head. white walked former office, reloading gun, , asked milk join him. white shot milk in wrist, shoulder , chest, , twice in head, execution style. supervisor dianne feinstein heard gunshots , called police, found milk on stomach, blood pouring out of head wounds.

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