U.S. President Joe Biden paid tribute to LGBTQ pioneers and British music legend Elton John performed his hits as the pair inaugurated on Friday a historical site in New York City celebrating the 1969 "Stonewall riots".
Appearing sharper than he did in a disastrous debate against Donald Trump the night before, 81-year-old Biden praised those who revolted on June 28, 1969 against yet another police raid on the Greenwich Village gay bar Stonewall Inn -- a foundational moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
"You marked a turning point for civil rights in America and inspired the hearts of millions around the world. To this day, Stonewall remains a symbol of a legacy of leadership for the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans women of color," he said.
"We remain in a battle for the soul of America," Biden added, before introducing John to the stage.
The six nights of the Stonewall riots marked the birth of the modern gay rights movement. Gay Pride was born in their wake.
The bar still exists and was designated a national monument by former president Barack Obama in 2016.
Since Friday, a small, free museum has been added where visitors can learn about the site's history.
"Just as Americans visit Independence Hall, Liberty Bell or the Statue of Liberty to embrace the history of our country, now we can pay homage to a place where we began to fight for our freedom, our rights, our equality," said Mark Segal, who was part of the revolt at Stonewall.
Elton John, himself an LGBTQ icon, told attendees: "The job isn't done."
The 77-year-old musician concluded a triumphant farewell tour last year, but returned to the stage on Friday to treat guests to a short recital.
He dedicated the classic "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to his friend Larry Kramer, one of the co-founders of the Act Up organization, and to "all the LGBTQ+ people that have gone before us and have paved the way for where we are now."
© 2024 AFP
11 Comments
funkymofo
Well done, Joe. Helping yet another minority group the GOP Taliban would like to see destroyed.
owzer
Perhaps he should gracefully step down from the campaign and instead spend his time supporting LGBT issues as it obviously invigorates him more than the idea of being POTUS.
falseflagsteve
Unbelievable, he had a dire time at the debate now he mixes with loudmouth Elton John pro
Ben Bumphart
Why is Joe looking so happy after the debate disaster? The Dems are in crisis mode.
falseflagsteve
Ben
doubt be understands what’s going on around whom any more. It’s terribly sad to see isn’t it.
tora
They're both looking rather old.
Jimizo
Stunning insight. Perhaps because they are…old? Elton John bowed out at the right time unlike Biden.
Elton,johns is very success. Google sad Pedro.
Revelatory. Have you read a lot about this?
Elton John achieved an incredible level of success and was an extremely high profile voice in the causes he championed.
I don’t mean ‘influenced’ in the sense of the ridiculous trash you find spamming social media.
Quite a career. Talented man.
Jimizo
*and influenced many
Jeremiah
The Stonewall Riot was due to an unscheduled drug bust at the bar. Usually the police would roust the joint on a regular schedule along with every other establishment that openly sold drugs to allow the users and dealers time to hide their purchases and product. Finally, some honest officers busted the bar and drug patrons, which led to the riot.
Stonewall has never been about LGBTQ pride, but simply has been used to hijack the legitimate, religious-based civil rights movement.
Jimizo
Does ‘everyone know’ this?
Have you read a lot about this?
1glenn
Yet another example of the very large differences between the candidates, and between the political parties.