In San Francisco in August of 1966, transsexuals had taken years of abuse by police. Finally, a riot broke out at the all-night Compton’s Cafeteria.

The following night, more transgendered people, street hustlers, and members of the GLBT community came together and picketed the cafeteria.

The mainstream press chose not to report the incident as there was fear it might lead to a city-wide uprising. Regardless, the city of San Francisco began to examine the way it was treating gays, lesbians, and transgendered people. It passed laws allowing cross dressing and started to recognize the rights of the transgendered.

This was three years before the Stonewall Riots, which sparked the Gay Liberation Movement. Again, it was transsexuals who threw the first punch.

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.