Iconic Stonewall Inn kicks off Pride!

The Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement, and The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official and only charitable giving organization of the National Historic Landmark, has launched its events-packed lineup of Pride Month events. 

On Thursday, June 1, SIGBI hosted its annual, invite-only Pride Kick-off Celebration at The Stonewall Inn featuring special performances by MUNA, Gold selling recording artist Mariahlynn, and drag queen Ariel Versace. SIGBI advisory board member Dr. Marisa Richmond gave a keynote and the event supported two Tenn.-based non-profits — Just Us, an LGBTQ+ youth center, and Friend of George’s, an LGBTQ+ theater company and The Borderland Rainbow Center in El Paso, Texas to champion the trans community as the country faces drag performance bans looking to erase the trans community and an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Notable guests in attendance included Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr. 

“The history and legacy of The Stonewall Inn are more important than ever and we are thrilled to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s strength where Pride began,” said Kurt Kelly, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. “Our National Historic Landmark bar launched the gay rights movement so there’s no better place to unite and honor the resilience and power of this community.”

“Despite the alarming number of attacks we are seeing on the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, we remain strong and united,” said Stacy Lentz, CEO of SIGBI and co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. “SIGBI’s mission this Pride is to support and honor the LGBTQ+ community through our programming and alongside our partners as we continue to spread awareness and fight back against those who are trying to silence us.”

With nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills working their way through U.S. state legislatures, many targeting the trans community, The Stonewall Inn and SIGBI’s 2023 Pride events aim to spread awareness about the current attacks on the LGBTQ+ community nationwide and share ways individuals and corporations can help.

Highlights of The Stonewall Inn and SIGBI’s Pride Month Events Include:

• Miss Stonewall Pageant (June 4th at The Stonewall Inn) – The Miss Stonewall Pageant, which began in 2004, returns and will feature extraordinary NYC Drag Queens who put on their greatest show in efforts to win the Miss Stonewall 2023 crown. *Open to the public.
• Harvey Milk High School’s Prom (June 7th at The Stonewall Inn) – Harvey Milk High School, a Manhattan high school designed to provide LGBTQ+ students with a safe space to learn and grow, hosts its annual prom. The bar offers a safe and welcoming environment for students to celebrate. *Private event.
• Glenn Close’s “Bring Change to Mind” Pride Event (June 16th at The Stonewall Inn) – Actor Glenn Close’s non-profit, Bring Change to Mind, hosts its Pride benefit to support the LGBTQ+ community and end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. *Private closed event.
• SIGBI’s Juneteenth Event (June 19th at The Stonewall Inn) – SIGBI’s Juneteenth event is celebrating Black voices and is donating proceeds to The Okra Project. Additionally, SIGBI has donated $10,000 to the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island for their Juneteenth event to promote Black and Transgender equity. *Open to the public.
• Michael Kors and Interview Magazine’s Event (June 20th at The Stonewall Inn) – Michael Kors is sitting down at The Stonewall Inn with Interview Magazine for an open discussion about the current issues the LGBTQ+ community is facing. *Private closed event
• New York Yankees Stonewall Scholars Event (June 21st at Yankee Stadium) – SIGBI is partnering with the New York Yankees for the fifth-annual Yankees-Stonewall Scholars event. $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to five NYC public school students who have continuously demonstrated strong academic achievement and impactful support for the LGBTQ+ community. *Open to the public.
• The National LGBTQ Task Force and Imperial Court System Event (June 22nd at The Stonewall Inn) – The National LGBTQ+ Task Force and the Imperial Court System come together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Task Force and unveil the 2023 Wall of Honor, a wall dedicated to deceased LGBTQ+ activists and icons. *Open to the public. 
• NYC Pride Weekend (June 24th & 25th at The Stonewall Inn) – The Stonewall Inn will be open on Pride weekend from 2pm – 4am for all of those celebrating. The historic landmark is a must-see stop on the NYC Pride Parade route. *Open to the public.

The Stonewall Inn is located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Greenwich Village at 53 Christopher St. Please visit thestonewallinnnyc.com and stonewallinitiative.org for more information about the Pride month events and what you can do to make a difference.