A screening of the documentary film “Stonewall Uprising” – which was already scheduled at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 13th in the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library – will include not only an open forum discussion on lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender (LGBT) issues but also on the mass shooting in the early hours of this morning at Pulse – an Orlando gay night club – which, so far, has resulted in 50 people killed and 53 wounded individuals.
The film recounts a police raid at the Stonewall Inn – a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village in Manhattan – on June 28th 47 years ago in 1969 that resulted in riots and became a turning point in not only gay rights but, subsequently, LGBT rights.
The event is sponsored by Roselle Park 24/7 as part of their “Listen, Speak & Learn” series. Roselle Park 24/7 is the creation of former Roselle Park mayor Joseph DeIorio and his husband, Fifth Ward Councilman Thomas ‘Thos’ Shipley. It is an initiative of Roselle 24/7, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Mr. DeIorio commented on the events of last night in connection with tomorrow’s screening, “As more information is revealed, it is becoming more evident that this was a deliberative and calculated attack on the LGBT community and on Americans as a whole. It’s a solemn reminder that there are those who will do harm to the LGBT community. As we recognize [LGBT] Pride month and the struggles of the LGBT community, we will forever be reminded of this horrific event.”
The Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library is located at 404 Chestnut Street.