One of the most surprising elements that I found, was how many times acts of resistance were performed by members of the trans* or cross-dressing community. Actually, this is not so surprising as they were among the easiest target for police oppression. The first gay uprising in the United States was a riot at Coopers Do-Nuts (spelled various different ways according to the source). Located in downtown L.A., sandwiched between two gay bars, open all night, it was a natural hangout for transgender and hustlers. Most the customers were Latino or black. It was also a favorite spot for the police harassment. On a night in May, 1959 (no source seems to have the exact date), the police tried to haul off several of the men, one of them would become the novelist, John Rechy. The patrons refused and people began throwing doughnuts and coffee cups at the police. A riot ensued, the police retreated until reinforcements arrived and hauled off the rioters. Rechy and his pals escaped. If he had not recorded the story in his novel City of Night, no one would know.[1]
[1] Faderman and Timmons, 1-2.
[1] Faderman and Timmons, 1-2.