Intimidated by Queer Riots

S.F. mayor Gavin Newsom has asked the California supreme court to delay announcing its decision on proposition 8, legalizing gay marriage. Newsom is concerned that the ruling would fall on the anniversary of the White Night Riots (May 21st 1979), and could possibly demand a repeat performance if queer folks rights are trampled on once again. Newsom understands that queer anger, and anger by long oppressed folk needs to be respected. He knows San Francisco can not afford to have another 15 + police cruisers torched...but perhaps the gay community cannot afford not to torch them...it's not for me say.

I'm hoping the court does the right thing, the police cruisers will eventually have to burn regardless.

Harvey Milk, the White Night Riots and Lesbians Against Police Violence

This account of the white night riots of 1979 really enthralled me. The author Maggie Jochild offers up a first hand glimpse of radical queer activism in San Francisco, the amazing and frightening events leading up to, during, and the repercussions of, the riots in San Francisco, and a somewhat surprising, less than glowing remembrance of Harvey Milk. The link also includes amazing pictures, youtube video of the riot and the aggressive Gay/Lesbian Freedom Day Marches, and links to other accounts of the riot. Particularly interesting and infuriating is an account of the Elephant Walk police riots, brutal cop revenge for the white night riots. Exciting & sobering.