By the summer of 1966 in San Francisco, transsexuals were fed up with abuse by police.

A tight-knit group, the transsexuals often hung out at an all-night cafeteria called Compton’s. The management was angered that they took up tables without buying much, and often called in the cops.

One night that August, however, one surly officer didn’t know what he had coming. While manhandling a transsexual during an arrest, she threw piping-hot coffee in his face. The whole room erupted into a frenzy of violence. Purses and high heels became weapons. Tables and chairs were overturned and the large plate glass window in front got smashed.

Police reinforcements arrived, and the fighting spilled out into the streets, where a police car was overturned and a newsstand burned to the ground.

What next? Find out tomorrow.

In recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, “The Rainbow Minute” is committed to bringing to light the often under-represented history of the transgender community by featuring 10 new episodes during the month of November.  “The Rainbow Minute,” a radio show on WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio, is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and airs on 97.3 FM every Weekday at 9:03am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm.  Listen to the WRIR’s audio stream here.

The Rainbow Minute is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and airs on 97.3 FM, WRIR Richmond Independent Radio, every Weekday at 8:59am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Listen to the WRIR’s audio stream here.