The Moth Podcast: Remembering Stonewall
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Celebrating Pride Month and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising
Introduction
In celebration of Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, The Moth Podcast presents a special episode titled "Remembering Stonewall." Hosted by Dame Wilburn, this episode aims to provide a multifaceted perspective on the historic events of Stonewall by featuring voices that have often been marginalized in mainstream narratives. The episode includes two personal stories and two insightful interviews, each contributing to a richer understanding of Stonewall's legacy and its ongoing impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Martin Boyce: A Witness to History
Timestamp: [04:03] – [09:53]
Martin Boyce, a Stonewall veteran, shares his firsthand experience of the events that transpired at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. Born and raised in New York City, Martin provides a vivid portrayal of the vibrant yet precarious existence of a young gay man during that era.
Key Points:
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Community and Safety: Martin describes the Stonewall Inn as a sanctuary within the Village, a place where LGBTQ+ individuals could express themselves freely without fear of police brutality, which was rampant in other neighborhoods.
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The Raid and Riot: On the night of the raid, Martin recounts the heightened tensions between the patrons and the police. The situation escalated swiftly when a confrontation led by Bertie Rivera—a militant figure in the community—set off the ensuing riot.
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Symbolic Moments: Martin vividly remembers Miss New Orleans, a street queen whose defiant stance against the police encapsulated the spirit of resistance. Her courage symbolized the collective will to fight for dignity and rights.
Notable Quote:
"And the sun caught it like diamonds. It would look like now, to me, it's the metaphor for the road to freedom."
— Martin Boyce [06:59]
Martin emphasizes that the chaos of that night was the beginning of a significant movement, marking the dawn of a more organized and assertive fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Richard Cardillo: Love, Loss, and Activism
Timestamp: [10:20] – [17:57]
Richard Cardillo shares a deeply personal story of love, loss, and resilience. Met at a challenging time in the early 1990s, Richard and his husband Peter embarked on a journey marked by activism and personal growth.
Key Points:
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Finding Love in Adversity: Richard recounts meeting Peter at a seedy gay bar known as "the Spike," highlighting their immediate connection despite initial fears and hesitations.
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Activism Together: Their relationship was characterized by numerous activist endeavors, including protests and community support initiatives, reflecting their commitment to social justice.
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Tragedy and Coping: Peter's diagnosis with AIDS and subsequent mental health struggles culminated in his tragic suicide. Richard discusses the profound impact of Peter's death and his own path to healing through continued activism in Peter's memory.
Notable Quote:
"He taught me how to keep my eyes and my arms, sometimes my legs, wide open to the power of possibility."
— Richard Cardillo [16:45]
Richard's narrative underscores the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that activism and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights can entail, while also highlighting the enduring spirit of resilience and dedication to creating meaningful change.
Sonya Audi: Navigating Identity in Kenya
Timestamp: [18:48] – [25:04]
Sonya Audi, a black queer, non-binary African feminist activist, shares her experiences of navigating her identity in a conservative Kenyan society. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in regions where acceptance is limited and legal protections are scarce.
Key Points:
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Safe Spaces: Sonya highlights the importance of forums and safe spaces where lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in Kenya can express themselves freely without fear of persecution.
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Confronting Homophobia: She narrates an incident where a university lecturer blatantly questioned her gender identity, leading to public humiliation and internal conflict.
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Overcoming Silence: Sonya reflects on the societal expectation for minorities to remain silent as a survival mechanism, advocating for the importance of speaking out despite the risks.
Notable Quote:
"Silence becomes a survival skill where if you do not draw attention to yourself, then you are safe. But then, to quote my favorite author, Audre Lorde, when we speak, we are afraid that our words will not be heard or accepted."
— Sonya Audi [24:20]
Sonya's story is a powerful testament to the ongoing struggles and the courage required to assert one's identity in hostile environments.
Kay Barrett: Carrying the Torch Forward
Timestamp: [25:57] – [29:03]
Kay Barrett, a trans disabled poet and cultural strategist, discusses their role in the contemporary fight for LGBTQ+ rights and how they draw inspiration from the legacy of Stonewall.
Key Points:
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Intersectional Activism: Kay emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple facets of identity—being queer, disabled, and a person of color—in their activism, striving for inclusivity and representation.
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Role of Poetry: For Kay, poetry serves as both an archive and a form of resistance, providing a medium to express complex identities and challenge societal norms.
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Collective Care: Reflecting on the essence of the Stonewall movement, Kay speaks about the necessity of collective care and mutual support within marginalized communities to foster resilience and drive social change.
Notable Quote:
"What does that feel like to have collective care where all bodies and all minds can be brilliant and not be considered something broken or fixed?"
— Kay Barrett [28:22]
Kay's insights highlight the evolution of activism from Stonewall to the present day, emphasizing the need for intersectionality and solidarity in the quest for equality and justice.
Conclusion
The Moth Podcast's special episode on Stonewall successfully weaves together personal narratives and insightful interviews to present a comprehensive view of the Stonewall Uprising's enduring legacy. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, the episode not only honors the past but also inspires ongoing activism and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.
For additional content, including photos and extended interviews with Martin Boyce and Kay Barrett, listeners are encouraged to visit The Moth's official website.
About Dame Wilburn
Dame Wilburn, the host of The Moth Podcast, is a seasoned storyteller and the chief marketing director for Twisted Willow Soap Company. She is also the host of the podcast Dame's Eclectic Brain Podcast, bringing her unique blend of storytelling and marketing expertise to diverse audiences.
Credits:
- Producer: Julia Purcell
- Assisted by: Rowan Nimistow at WDET
- Special Thanks: Michael Guerra, Brandon Grant, Lawrence Fiorelli, Eric Marcus