The queer icon of the Stonewall Riots (1969) - drag king, activist, protective figure

Who was Stormé DeLarverie? Her story is often overlooked or forgotten in conventional historical narratives. Yet she was an incredibly influential and inspirational figure in the Queer rights movement, especially during the events surrounding the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969. A large part of her life remains due to discrimination and archiving gaps undocumented or misrepresented, but what we do know reveals a powerful legacy of resistance, identity and LGBTIQ+ activism. In this post, we want to share as much information as possible about this remarkable queer icon and her lasting contributions to the LGBTQIA+ movement in the 1960s and beyond.

Stormé DeLarverie was born on December 24, 1920. She was a child bi-cultural origin and was raised by an adoptive family in her early years. Her youth was marked by uncertainty about her birth parents and numerous challenges, including experiences of violence, homophobia and sexual abuse. Despite these hardships, Stormé showed great Resilience. In the course of her life, she constantly reinvented herself. In her younger years, she was known by various names, including „Stormy Dale“. Eventually she became known as Stormé DeLarverie known - the legendary Drag King and activist, whom we remember today. She was in a long-term romantic relationship with her partner Diana for 26 years. Diana died shortly after the Stonewall Riots, and her death marked a transformative period in Stormé's life. From that moment on, Stormé took on her identity as protector, artist and Activist for the queer community completely.

With regard to gender identity Stormé DeLarverie considered by many to be non-binary, even though the language around gender was far less developed at the time. When people asked which pronouns they preferred, Stormé often replied that those could use the pronouns they felt most comfortable with. She refused to be constrained by rigid gender roles or societal expectations - which in itself was a powerful form of resistance.

Before her role in the Stonewall Riots Stormé had already established herself as a talented drag performer and singer in the Jewel Box Revue the first ethnically integrated drag performance troupe in North America. Her performances often challenged gender norms, particularly through her androgynous looks, where she dressed in male attire and performed countless Lesbians in New York inspired her to adopt gender-atypical styles. She became a fashion and cultural icon in queer circles.

Stormé was deeply committed to protecting vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ Community committed. After her performance career ended, she worked as a bodyguard, ensuring the safety of queer youth and marginalized individuals - particularly in and around LGBTQ+ bars. Her physical presence and fearlessness earned her a reputation as a vigilant protector, creating safer spaces wherever she went. During the day, she even worked as a security guard for wealthy families to ensure financial security.

During the Stonewall Riots Stormé was present at the Stonewall Inn when police began arresting employees and patrons, citing license violations and „Cross-dressing“ laws to harass. Some reports suggest that Stormé dealt the very first blow that sparked the uprising, although this has never been conclusively confirmed. What is certain, however, is that she fought back vehemently - she did Physical resistance to police violence and thus motivated others to take action. She was beaten by officials during the uprising, but survived and continued her Activism continued thereafter. Regardless of whether she struck the first blow or not, Stormé's presence at Stonewall its role as a permanent symbol in the LGBTQIA+ history.

This brief account only scratches the surface of her incredible life, but with this narrative we hope to honor her memory and illuminate the significance of her legacy. Stormé DeLarverie was not just a drag performer and activist - she was a revolutionary force that changed the Queer rights movement and inspired future generations. Her story deserves to be known, shared and celebrated.

Additional section:

The story of Stormé DeLarverie is an essential building block in the global roots of the Queer activism and the Black & Queer Feminism to understand. It sheds light on the struggles and resistance that continue to this day in neighborhoods such as Berlin-Schöneberg reverberate. As part of our Historical Berlin city tour “Black & Queer Feminism” we explore the traces of these revolutionary forces and draw the connecting lines from personalities such as Stormé DeLarverie to the activists who have shaped Berlin's queer history to this day.

Sources:

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BlackPast.org. (2018, September 30). Stormé DeLarverie (1920-2014). Retrieved from https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/delarverie-storme-1920-2014/

Campus Pride. (n.d.). Queer History Profile :: Stormé DeLarverie. Retrieved from https://www.campuspride.org/queer-history-profile-storme-delarverie/

Halberstam, J. (2005). In a Queer Time and Place: Transgender Bodies, Subcultural Lives. New York University Press. https://www.scribbr.de/richtig-zitieren/doi/

National Park Service (NPS). (undated). Stormé DeLarverie. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/people/storme-delarverie.htm

Queer Music Heritage. (undated). Jewel Box Revue. Retrieved from https://www.queermusicheritage.com/fem-jewl.html

TeachRock. (n.d.). “Y'all Better Quiet Down”: Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ Pioneers. Retrieved from https://teachrock.org/lesson/yall-better-quiet-down-black-and-latinx-lgbtq-pioneers/

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Three Village Historical Society. (2020, June 28). Stormé DeLarverie: Stonewall Stalwart. Retrieved from https://www.tvhs.org/post/storm%C3%A9-delarverie-stonewall-stalwart

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter). (2021, March 23). Stormé DeLarverie: Stonewall and Beyond. Retrieved from https://zcenter.org/blog/stormedelarverie/