Philadelphia has a long history of fighting for LGBTQ civil rights. In fact, Philadelphia protests seeking equality for LGBTQ+ people predate the famed Stonewall riots. From 1965 to 1969, demonstrators picketed at Independence Hall on July 4. The “Annual Reminder” protests pointed out that LGBTQ+ Americans did not have basic civil rights protections. The protests were among the earliest for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. These were protests organized by LGBTQ+ activists Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, and others. Many see Barbara Gittings, as the mother of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. The demonstrations were strategically held on Independence Day, July 4th, to draw attention to the lack of civil rights and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. The activists picketed outside Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, calling for an end to discrimination and advocating for the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. The Annual Reminders were influential in raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and challenging societal norms surrounding homosexuality. Although the modern gay rights movement gained significant momentum after the Stonewall uprising in 1969, the Annual Reminders played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for future activism and were part of the broader efforts to achieve equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
