Fundraiser Aims To 'Save Stonewall' From Coronavirus Closure

WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN — The Stonewall Inn is asking for the public's help to keep its doors open after months of staying closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The historic bar — known as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement — has set up a GoFundMe to raise at least $50,000 to help "resurrect" it from the financial strain of the pandemic, which has kept its doors closed for three months and will likely mean extremely limited capacity when it reopens.

"Even in the best of times it can be difficult to survive as a small business and we now face an uncertain future," the business wrote on its fundraiser.

"The road to recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic will be long and we need to continue to safeguard this vital piece of living history for the LGBTQ community and the global human rights movement and we now must ask for your help to save one of the LGBTQ+ communities most iconic institutions and to keep that history alive."

The latest fundraiser follows an earlier GoFundMe raising money for the bar's staff, which it started in April. The West Village bar's nonprofit organization has also held a separate fundraiser for all LGBTQ nightlife workers struggling during the pandemic.

Stonewall is one of several New York City institutions that are at risk of being lost, or have already closed, as the coronavirus crisis puts undue strain on the city's restaurant and bar industry.

LGBTQ establishments in particular have felt the challenge of keeping the lights on, especially as they stay shuttered during the most lucrative time of the year, Pride Month, according to the New York Times. Other West Village gay bars, including Cubby Hole, have set up similar fundraisers to stay afloat.

For Stonewall, the threat of closing comes just one year after the bar celebrated 50 years since the historic Stonewall Riots, and on the 50th anniversary of New York City's Pride Parade, which went virtual this year.

Stonewall is still a popular gathering ground for rallies and celebrations in the LGBTQ community, particularly in the last few weeks as police brutality protests rage across New York City.

"Those brave souls who first stood up for their rights and the rights of others, triggered a global movement that continues to be celebrated world-wide via gay pride celebrations and parades," the bar wrote on its fundraiser. "...It has been a community tavern, but also a vehicle to continue the fight that started there in 1969. Stonewall is the place the community gathers for celebrations, comes to grieve in times of tragedy, and rally to continue the fight for full global equality.

Today, we are asking you to help Save Stonewall!"