In April 1965, Dewey’s started refusing to serve young customers who wore what one gay newspaper of the day euphemistically described as “nonconformist clothing,” claiming that “gay kids” were driving away other business. Customers rallied to protest, and on April 25, more than 150 patrons were turned away by the management. Three teenagers refused to leave after being denied service in what appears to be the first act of civil disobedience over antitransgender discrimination; they, along with a gay activist who advised them of their legal rights, were arrested and subsequently found guilty on
...more
