President Biden, first lady visit Stonewall Inn ahead of NYC Pride March

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As the city gears up to host another monumental Pride March this weekend, community members and politicians took time on Friday to honor the history of the LGBTQ+ movement.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited the Stonewall Inn and were joined by other officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community gathered early to to catch a glimpse. 

“With them opening the center and marking it and showing the history of the struggle of the LBGTQ community- it’s a fight we’re still fighting today," said Marquis Elder, a resident of the Bronx.

The $3.2 million visitor center is located at the site of the Stonewall Uprising, which celebrated its 55th anniversary Friday.  

In 1969, protests over police raids at the gay bar spurred the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Ray DeForest, a LGBTQ+ advocate, says, “There's a lot of people who would rather we didn't exist, and this shows we do exist and we're here to stay, and this is to honor those before us who fought, lost their lives."

Diana Rodriguez is with the nonprofit Pride Live, the group behind the center alongside the National Park Service. Rodriguez says gay rights are still at risk- highlighting the Pulse nightclub shooting. “The need for safe spaces, what safe spaces represent, was magnified that day.”

Last month, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned of the possibility of foreign terrorist organizations targeting pride events. 

The NYPD says it is ready for anything this weekend. 

“We’re always on watch and ready and we’re always ready for large events," said Tarik Sheppard as Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. “Come out and have a good time. Leave the safety and security to NYPD.”

For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, the center is a huge step forward.

Igor Myakotin member of LGBTQ+ community from Brooklyn, said, “Pride started as a protest right so it’s important to keep that in mind. There’s still a lot of fight and work to do especially for trans people and trans people of color.”

After today’s visit at the center, the president will headline a pride month event tonight.  Meantime, the New York City Pride March takes place this Sunday. This year’s theme is “Reflect, empower, and unite.”