Comedy Centralβs hit television show βDrunk Historyβ recently tackled one of the most important events in the history of the queer rights movement: the Stonewall Riots.
The episode is narrated by the hilarious Crissle West β and yes, sheβs actually drunk! β and stars transgender actresses Alexandra Grey and Trace Lysette, both of βTransparentβ fame, as queer icons Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, respectively.
Westβs hilarious commentary adds an adept comedic touch to the emotional story of the Stonewall riots, during which patrons at New York Cityβs Stonewall Inn β primarily queer and trans people of color β fought back against police, who were constantly raiding the bar, on June 28, 1969.
βThereβs all this controversy about casting cisgender actors in trans roles, so itβs nice that [Comedy Central] wanted to be authentic and give that role to a trans person,β actress Alexandra Grey told Out Magazine. βI really wanted to challenge myself to comedy.β
The segment focuses primarily on Johnson, who famously threw the first shot glass that set off the riots. West also paints a picture of how the event led to a greater awareness about the power of queer community and coming together against oppressive forces.
Check out the βDrunk Historyβ segment above.