President Biden was in New York on Friday to attend the grand opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor’s Center, marking the 55th anniversary of the historic riots that launched the American gay rights movement.
Still reeling from his terrible performance in Thursday’s presidential debate with Donald Trump that shocked the nation, the 81-year-old Trump met with New York Governor Kathy Hockle and legendary musician Elton John at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.
The 1969 Stonewall riots “marked a turning point in the American civil rights movement and inspired millions around the world,” Biden said, adding that they “remain a symbol of legacy and leadership in the LGBTQ+ community.”
In his speech, John called on the community to continue the fight.
“Fifty-five years ago, in this sacred place of the Stonewall Riots, gay activists stood strong and launched a movement that changed history for the better.
“As President Biden reminded us today … will we stand up for our vision and values, or will we turn back the clock through misinformation and mindless scapegoating? Absolutely not,” the “Tiny Dancer” singer, 77, said to applause from the crowd.
Haukl had earlier welcomed Biden to the White House, aiming to “celebrate this moment in history.”
“It was just two years ago that we gathered here with hopes and dreams to build something called the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center,” the governor said.
“We talked about it, we fought for it, we tried to make it happen, and two years later, my friends, we made the magic happen.”
Ava Golden, 23, a consultant and Biden supporter from Manhattan, was at the event also to hear the president speak.
She acknowledged the debate was “concerning” but insisted the incumbent candidate would not lose her vote.
“I don’t think his performance last night necessarily speaks to his character as a candidate. We can’t have another four years of Trump in power, so anything that keeps that from happening, I think that’s a good thing.”
Diana, a Democrat, told The Washington Post she was so concerned about Trump’s performance in the debate that she was unsure whether to vote for him.
But she was encouraged by his lively demeanor at the ceremony.
“Why couldn’t you do it yesterday? Why are you fine now?” she wondered.
“Honestly, it was painful to watch,” she said of the debate, adding that she does not want to see Trump return to the White House.
“There were some doubts [should have been] “I buttered his bread. You could have done a good job of that,” she continued.
“I know where he stands, but I want a president who I can trust in terms of his track record,” she said.
Former President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn a national monument in 2016.
The new $3.2 million visitor center will be part museum and part educational space, and aims to highlight the historical struggles the LGBTQ community has faced.
The museum, which opened to mark the anniversary of the June 28, 1969, uprising, will open ahead of New York City’s Pride March on Sunday.
Biden’s own views on gay rights have changed significantly over the decades.
As a U.S. senator, Biden voted in favor of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which said states were not required to recognize same-sex marriage.
The law defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.
As vice president under Obama in 2012, he made an impromptu statement on “Meet the Press” that he supported same-sex marriage, a position that even his boss at the time had not yet publicly endorsed.
During his presidency, Biden has strengthened his support for LGBTQ rights, restoring anti-discrimination laws abandoned by Trump and repealing the ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military.
The Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, began when NYPD officers raided a gay club in Greenwich Village and dragged employees and patrons outside.
The violence sparked six days of protests around the Christopher Street bar, with protesters clashing with police.
