The Stonewall Inn New York bar considered birthplace of U.S. gay rights

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• published: 24 Jun 2015
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The Stonewall Inn, a New York City bar widely recognized as the birthplace of the U.S. gay rights movement, was granted historic landmark status by city officials on Tuesday (June 23). The unanimous vote by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission was hailed by gay activists and supporters of the designation. "It's such a big win for the entire community. Not just here in New York, even though it's a city landmark now in New York, but globally," said Stacy Lentz, the co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. "Just having it recognized by the city of New York for its history, its importance. And what it's going to do is preserve it for generations to come, to make sure that the building can't be altered. And that people walking by or coming in and things of that nature, will understand just how important the events of 1969 were here in this very historic place," The Stonewall Inn became an instant gay rights symbol when riots spontaneously erupted on June 28, 1969 following a police raid at the Greenwich Village tavern known for serving a gay clientele in an era of intolerance toward homosexuality. "On that particular night, they had enough. They were fed up," said Lentz. "It was the first time that people from LBGT (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender) backgrounds actually stood up and said, 'We're queer, we're here, get used to it', shut the police outside and started throwing pennies and things. It was called a riot, but it was pretty peaceful for the most part. You know a few cars overturned," added Lentz. That singular event eventually led to Pride Month around the world. Lentz said, "The next year, there was actually the first LBGT pride parade. I think it was called the Freedom Day March or something of that nature. So that's really why pride is celebrated around the world, typically in June. Here in New York, always the last Sunday in June, marking the Stonewall Riots of 1969." Steven Mayerson, who said he was a 25-year old bartender at The Stonewall Inn in 1969, came by the bar when he heard the news. "Yes. There is a God. We finally got the landmark designation, preserved. I'm really glad. I'm really glad, thrilled. I'm going to 13th Street, the center, now where I do volunteer work for SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), a senior group, a gay senior group, LBGT, and I'm going to spread the word. Thank you." Trevor and Joann from Canada, stopped by the bar during their visit to New York. "I think it's fantastic. I was saying it's pretty neat. We traveled down from Canada to be here and on a day that's pretty historic. For that, it's going to be something that we'll be able to hang onto and remember," said Trevor. Joann added, "It's really incredible that this is happening now, but there is still a bit of ways to go. We're just glad that we can be here to witness this today and hopefully they keep moving forward." The bar remains an outpost of gay nightlife, easily recognizable by its red neon sign and rainbow flags that flutter above its storefront window and entrance. It is located in a two-story building with a red brick-and-stucco facade at 53 Christopher Street. The Stonewall Inn is already part of the Greenwich Village Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but its new designation as a city landmark provides more stringent safeguards guiding any future alteration to the property. It is the first time in the city's history that a building that is part of a historic district is simultaneously given the landmark status, said Landmarks Preservation Commission. Subscribe http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0nGJdPyjUFgOL37QQWGzHQ?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us TWITTER @newsdailyplanet