Which tactic did Gay Liberation activists employ?

• A. They engaged in peaceful marches and lobbying Congress.
• B. They produced a nationwide newspaper to advocate rights.
• C. Stonewall Inn riot in 1969.
• D. They avoided media attention.

Answer: (C)

Direct action and public confrontation became the defining approach of Gay Liberation activists after the Stonewall uprising. In 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked a spontaneous, multi-day confrontation that drew in patrons, neighbors, and allies and energized a new wave of organizing. This moment shifted the movement from quieter reform efforts toward bold, visible resistance and community-led action, leading to the formation of activist groups, frequent protests, and the carrying forward of pride events.

Why this moment stands out is that it encapsulates the move to assert rights openly and collectively, using public demonstrations to demand change rather than relying solely on lobbying or behind-the-scenes advocacy. While other tactics like peaceful marches or publishing advocacy literature have played roles in civil rights movements, the Stonewall events symbolize the era's pivot to direct action and visibility. Avoiding media attention would run counter to this approach, since visibility was a key ingredient in mobilizing support and effecting change.