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    Jonathan Allen (at right) sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as Obergefell, Lazin and gay pioneers Paul Kunstler, Ada Bello and John James (back) look on, right side of photo, in front of the plaque. Photo by Tracy Baim
Supreme Court marriage plaintiff James Obergefell and three of the original picketers at Philadelphia’s Reminder Day annual gay protests from 1965-1969 were at a special wreath-laying ceremony at the Gay Pioneers plaque across from Independence Hall July 2.

Paul Kunstler, Ada Bello and John James joined the special occasion, reminding people of the dozens of courageous gay pioneers who gathered at Independence Hall each July 4 from 1965-1969, ending just after the Stonewall protests in New York birthed a new gay movement.

Also at the event were Samantha Giusti, executive director, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund; Malcolm Lazin, chair, National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration; and regional LGBT and HIV executive directors and leaders.

Gay Pioneers Historical Marker denotes Independence Hall as where the organized LGBT civil-rights movement was galvanized with gay picketing demonstrations (Annual Reminders).

Full coverage of the weekend’s events with photos at the link:

windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Philadelphias-1965-protests-remembered/52115.html.

More photos and related coverage at the link:

windycitytimes.com/lgbt/50th-Anniversary-of-the-Annual-Reminders-pickets-celebrated-at-Independence-Hall/52055.html.