A tribute from Joe Biden and a mini-recital by British music legend Elton John marked the opening of a historic site in New York on Friday celebrating the 1969 Stonewall riots, one of the founding acts of the LGBTQ+ movement.
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The day after his disastrous televised performance during the debate against Donald Trump, the Democratic president, 81, appeared relaxed and more lively to praise the memory of those who had revolted, on the night of June 27 to 28, 1969, against yet another police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar, in the heart of the Greenwich Village district.
“You were a turning point for civil rights in America and inspired the hearts of millions around the world. Today, Stonewall remains a symbol of legacy and leadership for the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender women of color,” he said.
“We’re still fighting a battle for the soul of America,” he added, before introducing Elton John on stage.
AFP
The six nights of the Stonewall riots marked the birth of the modern movement for the recognition of the rights of homosexual people. In the process, “Gay Pride” was born.
Today, the legendary bar still exists and it was declared a national monument by former President Barack Obama in 2016. Since Friday, a small free museum has been added where visitors can discover the history of the place and the heritage that it represents.
“In the same way that Americans can visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, places symbolizing the independence of the United States in Philadelphia, “or the Statue of Liberty to immerse themselves in the history of their country, we can now pay tribute to a place where we began to fight for our freedom, our rights and our equality,” said, moved, one of those who had revolted against the police, Mark Segal.
Elton John and Katy Perry.
AFP
This is the first time in the United States that a site managed by national parks has been dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.
“The work is not done,” said Elton John, an icon of this community, while many countries still repress homosexuality.
The 77-year-old musician bid farewell to the stage in 2023 after a triumphant tour. But for the occasion on Friday, he sat down at the piano and offered a mini-recital of three songs to the guests. After singing I’m still standinghe dedicated Don’t let the sun go down on me to his friend Larry Kramer, one of the co-founders of the organization Act Up, who died in 2020, and “to all the LGBTQ+ people who came before us and paved the way for us to be where we are today today”.
