21. The Stonewall Riots (1969)
The Stonewall Riots began with a spontaneous act of resistance by patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, against a police raid. Over several nights, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies fought back, igniting a new era of activism and visibility. Stonewall became a rallying point for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring annual Pride celebrations and ongoing campaigns for equality.
