Lecture Notes: "Screaming Queens - The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria"

Introduction

• Context: In 1966, a group of drag queens and transgender people rioted against police harassment in San Francisco.
• Significance: This event marked a significant moment in transgender activism and LGBTQ+ history, preceding the more famous Stonewall Riots of 1969.
• Program: The lecture covers the civil rights movement in the transgender community, focusing on the riot at Compton's Cafeteria.

Compton's Cafeteria

• Location: Tenderloin District, San Francisco, known for its LGBTQ+ and nightlife scene.
• Environment: A meeting spot for drag queens, transgender individuals, and hustlers.
• Cultural Significance: Served as a social hub and safe space for marginalized communities, especially during the night.

Social Context

• 1960s San Francisco: The era was characterized by social upheaval, anti-war protests, and a questioning of traditional gender roles.
• Tenderloin District: Known for vice activities such as prostitution and drug use, largely controlled by corrupt police who demanded payoffs.
• Challenges for Transgender People: Faced discrimination, violence, and police harassment, and were often confined to the Tenderloin.

The Riot

• Trigger Event: Conflict began when a policeman tried to arrest a drag queen, leading to resistance and the riot.
• Events: Drag queens and hustlers fought back against police harassment, leading to broken windows and a destroyed police car.
• Historical Significance: Marked the first collective militant queer resistance to police harassment in the U.S.

Aftermath and Impact

• Immediate Effects: Compton's Cafeteria began closing earlier and eventually shut down, but the riot inspired increased activism.
• Community Change: Post-riot, there was a shift towards greater acceptance and rights for transgender people.
• Long-term Influence: Laid groundwork for future transgender activism, inspired community organization and resistance.

Key Figures and Organizations

• Susan Stryker: Historian who uncovered the story of the riot.
• Vanguard: An early militant gay organization formed by young hustlers and drag queens.
• Rev. Cecil Williams and Glide Memorial Church: Played a role in supporting LGBTQ rights and activism.
• Elliot Blackstone: A police officer who became an advocate for transgender rights.

Social and Legal Developments

• Transgender Identity: Concept of being transgender became more visible, partly due to media coverage of figures like Christine Jorgensen.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: The riot highlighted the need for legal and social changes to accommodate and respect transgender individuals.
• Urban Development: Displacement due to urban renewal projects intensified issues in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin.

Conclusion

• Legacy: The Compton's Cafeteria riot is a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, demonstrating the power of collective action and resistance.
• Continued Struggle: The fight for transgender rights continues, drawing inspiration from past struggles.
• Personal Reflection: The story provides a sense of belonging and historical continuity for transgender individuals today.