The NYC Bar That Forged the Global Pride Movement, The Stonewall Inn, Joins Pride in London
- Guild Secretary
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
What started as a spontaneous, multi-day riot in a New York bar in June 1969 became the single most important catalyst for the global Pride movement.
This summer, Pride in London's official beer partner, Brooklyn Brewery, is bringing that same bar, The Stonewall Inn, to Pride in London, honouring the venue that accelerated the gay liberation movement and shaped Pride history.
"The Stonewall Inn isn't just a bar, it marks the tipping point for the Pride movement," says Stacy Lentz co-owner of the Stonewall Inn. "It represents the moment when a community pushed into the shadows decided to stand up, speak out and demand change. That energy is still what drives Pride today."
Back in 1969, The Stonewall Inn was one of the few places in New York where LGBTQ+ people could gather freely and dance. Even then, it operated under constant threat. Police raids were frequent, with patrons and staff arrested, in part due to laws that prohibited LGBTQ+ people from being served alcohol in bars.
"In the early hours of June 28, everything changed," adds Kurt Kelly, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. "What was meant to be another routine raid, became something else entirely. People resisted. They stayed. They fought back. And over the next several nights, that resistance grew into something far bigger than anyone could have ever imagined."
The uprising spilled out onto the streets of Greenwich Village, drawing in allies and neighbours. In the days that followed, a new wave of energy unfolded, supercharging activism onto a global stage.
This Stonewall Inn energy is coming to Pride in London, with a converted bus that has been transformed into a tribute to the original Greenwich Village bar, bringing a piece of Pride history into the heart of the capital.
"For us, The Stonewall Inn is about using our history as a vehicle for change," says Kelly. "It's not just about what happened in 1969 - it's about continuing the fight for full equality everywhere. So, working with Brooklyn Brewery to come to Pride in London on an actual 'vehicle' for change is perfect!"
The Stonewall Inn Pride in London float will showcase some of the heritage and entertainment of the NYC original, while offering Pride revellers a taste of what makes the Greenwich Village bar so special to the global LGBTQ+ community.
The float will serve as a mobile stage, featuring DJs, performers, and a visual nod to the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, offering the most photogenic moment of the parade.
"The riots were the catalyst," added Lentz. "It lit a fire, sparking a new sense of unity and determination, which shifted far beyond New York. While the first New York Pride march took place on the riot's anniversary, within three years, London hosted its first Pride parade. So, bringing The Stonewall Inn to London - one of Europe's largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ life, culture and activism - feels like we're completing the circle.
The partnership with Brooklyn Brewery is very special to Lentz and Kelly. "What many people may not know, is that we approached Brooklyn Brewery, and not the other way around", said Kelly. "In 2017, we asked them to create an official craft beer for the bar, and since then, Brooklyn Brewery's The Stonewall Inn IPA has become a symbol of visibility and support, and now the official beer of Pride in London."
For Pride 2026, Brooklyn Brewery has turned The Stonewall Inn IPA cans and packs in the UK, into a canvas, launching a limited-edition design in collaboration with emerging artist Rob Likes to Draw from the Queer Youth Art Collective. Featuring hand-drawn illustrations with a brick-style motif, inspired by the original bar. The limited-edition packs are available at retailers across the UK until Monday 31 August.
Brewed as an American-style IPA at 4.3% ABV, The Stonewall Inn IPA features bright citrus hop notes layered with hints of lemon peel and grapefruit zest. More than just a beer, it's a visible show of ongoing support, supporting The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), co-founded by Kelly to help LGBTQ+ organisations and safe spaces around the world.
About Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery was founded in 1988 by neighbours Steve Hindy and Tom Potter who set out to bring brewing back to Brooklyn, which was once a powerhouse of American beer production. They worked with Milton Glaser, (creator of the 'I Heart NY' logo) to design the brewery's iconic logo, and in 1994 teamed up with legendary brewmaster Garrett Oliver to craft award-winning beers that put Brooklyn Brewery firmly on the map.
Brooklyn Brewery's beers are now available in over 30 countries worldwide. Its range includes Brooklyn The Stonewall Inn IPA, Special Effects Alcohol Free, Pulp Art, Bodega Run, Pilsner and Brooklyn Lager and new editions Black Chocolate Imperial Stout, Bel Air Tropical Sour and Fonio Rising Double Pilsner. Available in pubs and major retailers nationwide, including Tesco, Morrisons, Co-Op, Ocado, ASDA and Waitrose.
About Brooklyn Brewery The Stonewall Inn IPA
More than just an exceptional brew, The Stonewall Inn IPA is a symbol of pride and inclusivity. As the official beer of Pride in London and the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, the brew embodies the fearless spirit of the legendary Stonewall Inn in New York city. This refreshing IPA infuses unapologetic notes of grapefruit and bright citrus peel, delivering a vibrant and zesty flavour profile. Created through a partnership between Brooklyn Brewery and the iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City, this IPA represents the initiative's enduring legacy.
About The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI)
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official and only nonprofit organization of The Stonewall Inn, is inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ+ rights movement born from the Stonewall Inn Uprising of 1969. Our overarching mission remains unwavering: to persist in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and complete global equality. Through SIGBI's Safe Spaces certification program, we've collaborated with brands, venues, and businesses worldwide all sharing the common goal of fostering welcoming and inclusive spaces that prioritize the safety and support of the LGBTQ+ community.
SIGBI supports grassroots organizations committed to advocacy and provides crucial support to LGBTQ+ communities and individuals through awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising, and candid public dialogue. Our commitment funds organizations providing gender-affirming care and mental health support across the U.S., supporting the first LGBTQ+ organization in Iraq, and establishing LGBTQ+ homeless youth shelters in Italy. We are committed to eliminating the social intolerance that is profoundly impacting the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens throughout America and abroad. Find out more about SIGBI's work here: stonewallinitiative.org | Instagram | Facebook
About Rob Likes to Draw
An artist and illustrator currently based in Bath, UK, who's work includes fine art, graphic design, printmaking and mural art.
For more information, please contact: Julia Pietro, julia@rtc.london
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