Born on a chilly winter evening, December 24, 1920, Stormé DeLarverie entered the world with a fiery spirit that would guide her throughout her remarkable life. As a biracial individual, she boldly defied societal norms by embracing her unique heritage and living life on her own unapologetic terms. This trailblazing figure's multifaceted career was a testament to her incredible versatility and charisma, as she effortlessly transitioned from the glamorous world of drag king entertainment to the more rugged role of a bouncer.
DeLarverie's profound influence on the gay civil rights movement is an indelible testament to her unyielding commitment to the struggle for equality, earning her the esteemed moniker "Rosa Parks of the gay community" in recognition of her remarkable courage and unwavering resilience in the face of daunting adversity.
The life of Stormé DeLarverie, a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, was marked by a transformative moment that would forever alter the course of her existence and, by extension, the trajectory of the community she fought so tirelessly to empower. This fateful encounter, as vividly recounted by eyewitnesses who bore witness to the events, was a violent confrontation with law enforcement that would ultimately spark the Stonewall riots, a watershed moment in the annals of LGBTQ+ history.
