Although the Stonewall riots on June 28, 1969, are generally considered the impetus of the modern gay liberation movement,Duberman, p. xiBianco, p. 194 a number of demonstrations of civil resistance took place prior to that date. These actions, often organized by local homophile organizations but sometimes spontaneous, addressed concerns ranging from anti-gay discrimination in employment and public accommodations to the exclusion of homosexuals from the United States military to police harassment to the treatment of homosexuals in revolutionary Cuba. The early actions have been credited with preparing the gay community for Stonewall and contributing to the riots' symbolic power.Allyn, p. 155
