'Stonewall' Trailer Faces Backlash, With Boycott Petition Gaining Almost 23,000 Signatories

'Boycott Stonewall' Petition Gains Speed
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An upcoming film about the Stonewall riots has faced a huge backlash, with almost 23,000 people signing a petition to boycott it.

The riots, which took place after a police raid on New York’s Stonewall Inn back in 1969, are regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in the LGBT rights movement, with gay and trans people all fighting back against the police.

A trailer for ‘Stonewall’, Roland Emmerich’s film about the riots, was released last week, although it was met with a frosty reception from some, who noted that the film’s decision to focus on Danny, a fictionalised, white and cisgendered man was an example of “white-washing” history.

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Jeremy Irvine's character throws a brick in the trailer

The controversial trailer also appears to portray Danny as being the first to throw a brick, rather than the transgender people or people of colour known to have been involved in the riots, including Marsha P. Johnson, an African-American drag queen often credited for leading the riots.

One such critic was Pat Cordova-Goff, who set up a petition urging people to boycott the film. This has - at the time of writing - received almost 23,000 signatories.

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Jeremy Irvine and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the trailer

The film’s director, Roland Emmerich, has hit back at these accusations on Facebook, insisting: “When this film - which is truly a labour of love for me - finally comes to theatres, audiences will see that it deeply honours the real-life activists who were there - including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Ray Castro - and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement which continues to this day. We are all the same in our struggle for acceptance.”

‘Stonewall’, which stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Jeremy Irvine, is slated for release next month.

Watch the trailer for yourself below:

12 LGBT Films Anyone Can Enjoy
Maurice (1987)(01 of12)
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James Wilby and Hugh Grant star in this period film about two men who fall in love, at a time when homosexuality was still not just looked down on in society, but illegal. A tear-jerking, but necessary, watch for anyone interested in 20th century LGBT history. (credit:Everett Collection/Rex)
Torch Song Trilogy (1988)(02 of12)
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Another important watch for anyone interested in how same-sex relationships have come a long way in a short space of time. Harvey Fierstein shines in this touching and witty film, set over three separate eras in gay rights acceptance. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)(03 of12)
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If the thought of two drag queens and an older trans woman on what is essentially the most dramatic episode of 'Coach Trip' ever doesn't sound like a hoot and a half to you, we don't know what to say. This film is a triumph, with a great soundtrack and laughs aplenty. (credit:Moviestore Collection/REX)
Beautiful Thing (1996)(04 of12)
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Jonathan Harvey's 'Beautiful Thing' manages to be simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny while still being emotionally moving. The characters are all totally likeable and relatable - even when they're at their absolute worst - and the film offers a great insight into growing up as a gay teenager at this time.Plus it's got Shirley from 'EastEnders' in it. What more could you ask for? (credit:c.Everett Collection/REX)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)(05 of12)
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A musical truly unlike any other, this cult classic tells the story of Hedwig, who decides to try giving punk music a try after - as she sings during one of the film's more memorable moments - "her sex change operation got botched". A David Bowie-esque soundtrack mixed with more hilarious one-liners than you can shake a blonde wig at, 'Hedwig' is a must-see for anyone with a taste for the unusual. (credit:Courtesy Everett Collection/REX)
Transamerica (2005)(06 of12)
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'Desperate Housewives' actress Felicity Huffman stars in 'Transamerica' as a transgender woman who learns that she fathered a son earlier in her life. Despite dealing with issues that won't affect most people, 'Transamerica' also revolves around family, and the unexpected things life can throw at you. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
Rent (2005)(07 of12)
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When the original musical of 'Rent' first hit Broadway it was the mid-1990s. The film adaptation is now also a decade old, yet the film definitely still resonates with a modern audience. The music is excellent, the cast are almost Spice Girls-esque in the way that there'll be at least one character you feel like you can totally identify with, and who knew Rosario Dawson could hit those high notes, eh? (credit:c.Columbia/Everett/REX)
Milk (2008)(08 of12)
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As the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in America, Harvey Milk is undeniably one of the most important figures in LGBT history ever. Sadly, few people know his full story, which makes this Oscar-nominated film, starring Sean Penn in the leading role, an even more vital watch for anyone with even a passing interest in the gay rights movement. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
The Kids Are Alright (2010)(09 of12)
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Annette Bening bagged herself a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Nicole Allgood in 'The Kids Are Alright', which again deals with issues of family that everyone can relate to, even though the family in this film are anything but a "traditional" one. (credit:Focus Features)
Weekend (2011)(10 of12)
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Russell and Glen's brief love affair in 'Weekend' is one that all viewers can lose themselves in, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender. This isn't just a story about a gay relationship, rather it's a story of how one person can affect you profoundly, no matter how briefly they're in your life. (credit:Moviestore Collection/Rex)
Behind the Candelabra (2013)(11 of12)
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Think 'Milk' via 'Mommie Dearest' with the camp factor still cranked up to 100, Michael Douglas is a perfect Liberace in this eye-opening and surprisingly dear biopic of one of the 20th century's most flamboyant entertainers. (credit:Moviestore/Rex)
Pride (2014)(12 of12)
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Just stunning - 30 years after the miners' strike, a piece of British history that touched so many, 'Pride' shows people a different side of the story that is often overlooked or left out of the history books completely, but it's one that everyone should hear, nonetheless. (credit:BBC Films)