Thousands of people converged Friday on the Stonewall Inn for the 50th anniversary of the rebellion that catalysed a movement for LGBTQ liberation, marking the milestone with celebrity performances, speeches and personal reflections.
People from New York and afar came to take photos and share in the legacy of the gay bar where patrons resisted a police raid, sparking protests and longer-term organising that made the cause considerably more visible.
"Fifty years ago, people stood up for their rights, and look where we're at now. We've got flags all over the city," said Richard Walker, 58, an airline worker from New York.
"I'm getting goosebumps just really thinking about it."
"This community has fought and continued to fight a war of acceptance, a war of tolerance," Lady Gaga said. "You are the definition of courage."
"Just to be here with all these people is pretty amazing."