More than 50 years ago, the Stonewall Riot — led by Trans Women of Color — became the catalyst for the gay liberation movement. Now, more than 50 years later, CNY Pride says there are triumphs and more battles to fights.  

"What Stonewall represents to me, is that in the face of adversity and discrimination, we fought back,"said David Simmons, a board member with CNY Pride.

The 1969 riots were a response to police brutality in the queer community. It was a movement started by transgender women of color fighting for their right to exist without being brutalized and killed.

"It set a catalyst that allowed me to be the person I am today, to enjoy the rights I can today and express myself the way I want to," said Simmons.  

Members of CNY Pride say there has been some advancement.

"Marriage equality is great, that was a huge victory, and it exists in all 50 states," said board member Rachel Fabi.

But some of the challenges 1969 still exist today.

"Trans people of color are still singled out by the police. People of color are still the generally the subject of police brutality, brutality at-large," said Simon.

Members of CNY Pride say their fight against police brutality and the fight for freedom is not isolated, and can be seen in riots and uprisings happening today.

"The liberation of LGBTQ people is bound up with the liberation of oppressed people everywhere," said Fabi.

They say until rights are won for everyone and brutalization is stopped everywhere the fight and the focus of Stonewall, will continue.