White Night Riots Following Dan White's Conviction
May 21st, 1979
May 21st, 1979
How Long Ago?
45 years, 9 months, 22 days ago
Location
San Francisco, California, USA
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Dan White
- George Moscone
- Harvey Milk
Links & References
Tags
White Night Riots Following Dan White's Conviction
Following the conviction of Dan White for the manslaughter of George Moscone and Harvey Milk, a riot erupted on the streets of San Francisco. Thousands of protesters took to the streets, expressing outrage over the perceived leniency of the verdict. The unrest culminated in violence, with property damage and confrontations with law enforcement. The events were fueled by the larger LGBTQ+ community's frustration over discrimination and political representation.
Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
Riots began in the Castro District of San Francisco.
Protesters expressed outrage over the light sentence.
The event became pivotal for LGBTQ+ activism.
What Happened?
The White Night riots in San Francisco marked a significant uprising following the controversial conviction of former city supervisor Dan White for the manslaughter of Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. On May 21, 1979, the jury found White guilty of voluntary manslaughter rather than murder, resulting in a sentence of a mere seven years and eight months. This outcome ignited a wave of anger within the city’s LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who perceived the verdict as a clear signal of societal and judicial bias against them.
The riots began in the Castro District, a hub of LGBTQ+ culture in San Francisco, and quickly spread throughout the city. Demonstrators filled the streets in protest, culminating in chaos as crowds clashed with police. The unrest was not only a response to the verdict but also reflected years of pent-up frustration over continual discrimination, violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and a lack of political representation in the face of growing visibility and activism. As windows were smashed and police cars were overturned, the start of the riot became a symbol of resistance for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
On the night of the riot, the iconic White Night rally turned violent and protests escalated until National Guard troops were called in to restore order. Arson and vandalism became prevalent as a number of businesses in the Castro faced destruction. The violent outbreak drew significant media attention, bringing further focus to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, the events of that night are often viewed as a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, strengthening the resolve of activists nationwide.
Why Does it Matter?
The White Night riots are significant as they highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by the LGBTQ+ community in seeking justice and equality. The fallout from the riots spurred greater activism and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights across the United States, leading to increased visibility and support. The events served to unite the community in a collective demand for change, contributing to the gradual shift in public perception regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
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