The Stonewall Inn, a once unassuming dive bar at 51 Christopher St., is being reclaimed as a significant landmark in LGBTQ+ history. On the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall rebellion, the building is reopening as the Stonewall National Monument’s visitor center. This pivotal site in Greenwich Village, New York, has seen many transformations over the years, from a bagel shop to a nail salon, before returning to its historical roots.
The visitor center, overseen by the National Park Service and the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Pride Live, aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of the Stonewall uprising and its impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Mark Segal, a gay activist and publisher who witnessed the 1969 events firsthand, reminisces about the significance of the location. “Today, if you look around the world, there are millions of people who are celebrating Pride. And it all started in this building,” Segal said.
The Stonewall rebellion marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism, sparking a broader movement for rights and recognition. Segal recalls the spontaneous resistance that erupted when police raided the bar on June 28, 1969. Patrons, tired of constant harassment, fought back, leading to days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. This rebellion catalyzed the formation of numerous LGBTQ+ rights groups and the establishment of annual Pride marches.
The visitor center features historical photographs, a 1967 jukebox loaded with era-specific songs, and a line on the floor marking the original bar’s location. Diana Rodriguez, the center’s co-founder, highlights the unique nature of this facility compared to typical National Park Service sites. “When people think of the National Park Service, they don’t usually think ‘queer and urban,’” she noted.
Kurt Kelly and Stacy Lentz, current owners of the Stonewall Inn, hope the visitor center will draw more attention to the historic site. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, inflation, and rising costs, they remain committed to preserving the legacy of the Stonewall Inn. Lentz, who also heads the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, emphasizes the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. “The fight that started here on Christopher Street in 1969, it’s not done,” she asserted.
For Segal, the return to 51 Christopher St. last year was deeply emotional. Playing “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” on his cellphone, he danced in the bar for the first time in over five decades, reflecting on the progress made and the memories that remain. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that the legacy of the Stonewall rebellion continues to inspire future generations.