Lavender Panthers was an armed self-defence group for the LGBTQ+ community in San Francisco, active from the summer of 1973 until the spring of 1974.
During this movement many riots, protests, and demonstrations occurred, including in San Francisco, a city that was known for having a large gay community.
Although there were laws passed and public speeches made by police, the violence towards gay communities still existed.
After witnessing a group throwing water balloons at gay community members, the patrol reacted with violence.
Police were called and became involved with the interaction happening outside the Pendulum bar, directly leading to the group's end.