This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, a major turning point in the fight for LGBTQ equality. Arguably the most famous gay bar in the world, The Stonewall Inn (mostly referred to as Stonewall) sits right at the heart of the Village, just steps away from the Christopher Street subway stop. It is an institution in the city. In terms of impact, there is no other bar - or place - like it.
A brief history of the nights that made this spot famous
What started as a routine police raid on a bar, where people in the LGBTQ community were known to frequent, turned into a rebellion. Tired of being harassed and arrested by the police, patrons fought back during a raid on the morning of June 28. Through July 3, riots and demonstrations happened all over the area. The LGBTQ community was up in arms, as were the locals.
Watch: Interview with Stonewall co-owners here
Watch: Interview with Stonewall’s most famous and irreverent bartender here
What was also noteworthy about this time in history was that it mobilized many groups to take action. Soon after, organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance were formed. The Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which later became the Pride march, was organized a year after the riots.
Hear the stories from those who took part in the Stonewall uprising here
Stonewall’s honors
This year, to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, institutions around the city are honoring the era with exhibitions and celebrations. For example, the NYPL has an exhibit on the time leading up to, during, and after Stonewall called “Love and Resistance.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate pride with events throughout June. It also hosted the annual Met Gala, whose theme was “camp,” an homage to the LGBTQ community.
See a listing of all the events during Pride month here
Stonewall is still a functioning bar. It is also a meeting place for celebrations – like when marriage equality was passed by the Supreme Court, and mourning – like when there was a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
Stonewall has been recognized multiple times for its importance in gay history and American history. The area in front of the Inn was renamed Stonewall Place in 1989 and in 1999 Stonewall Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000, it became a National Historic Landmark, in 2015 a New York City Landmark, in 2016 a New York State Historic Site, and in 2016 a National Monument. But unlike most Monuments, you can go there and have a drink.