Stonewall (1995)

In the midst of a pivotal era in civil rights history, "Stonewall" chronicles the transformative journey of a naive country boy, Matty Dean, as he steps into the vibrant world of Greenwich Village, New York City, in search of personal liberation and acceptance. Upon his arrival, he is captivated by the Stonewall Inn, a popular haven for the city's gay community, brimming with color, camaraderie, and the effervescence of drag queens. The narrative is woven through the eyes of La Miranda, a charismatic drag queen and regular patron at the Stonewall Inn. When Matty Dean crosses paths with La Miranda, an immediate bond forms, pulling Matty deeper into this flamboyant underworld. Together, they navigate a world of joy, pain, and police brutality, under the guidance of Bostonia, the Queen Mother of the drag queens who tenderly ushers each newcomer into their world. Their sanctuary, however, is under constant threat from the police, who frequently execute relentless raids and extortions. However, the dawn of change arrives when Matty meets Ethan, a staunch advocate for non-violent resistance, who plants the seeds of defiance in his mind. This potent blend of hope and rebellion comes to a head when the police raid the Stonewall Inn once more. But this time, instead of succumbing to the familiar routine of oppression, the patrons retaliate, igniting a riot that would echo through history. This uprising, catalyzed by the tragic desperation of the closeted bar proprietor Vinnie, marks the birth of the battle for equal rights for gay men and lesbians. "Stonewall" is a vivid tapestry of love, resilience, and revolution, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to challenge the status quo, forever changing the landscape of civil rights, as seen through the captivating storytelling of La Miranda.

Stonewall is a comedy movie featuring Nicole Ari Parker and directed by Nigel Finch.

Stonewall is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.