This paper uses John D'Emilio's book Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities to answer the question "What events and social changes between 1940 and 1970 made the Stonewall Riots possible?" The strength of the gay and lesbian community comes from a long history of organizations and leaders as well as subtle social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the identification of homosexuality as an identity. It is this identity around which a community has been built to disprove the notion that homosexuality is 'deviant', 'sick', or 'sinful'. The paper identifies two distinct philosophies in the gay liberation movement: one moving towards assimilation, and discounting sexual preference as an identity-builder; the other promoting pride and acceptance of homosexuality as a viable identity. 10 pgs. Bibliography lists 1 source.
