NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Former President Barack Obama was one of the guest speakers Friday during Pride Live's livestream fundraising event for LGBTQ organizations affected by COVID-19.
The event was held on Friday, because it is Stonewall Day, which celebrates the US Supreme Court landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage five years ago.
"We're almost 51 years from the night the patrons at the Stonewall Inn stood up for their rights, and set off one of America's defining victories for civil rights," Obama said. "All that progress is worth celebrating and reflecting on."
Obama also pointed out how the LGBTQ rights movement is as an example of how "protest and politics go hand in hand," adding "I hope you know that your voice can make an enormous difference ... Progress doesn't happen on its own, it happens because we stand up, speak out, and demand change."
Others who participated in the livestream included Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Kesha and Demi Lovato.