Title article has overview, but this ABC piece has more context: https://abcnews.go.com/US/stonewall-uprising-veteran-honors-protest-historic-lgbtq-center/story?id=111454893
Mark Segal was 18 years old and had only lived in New York City for six weeks when he found himself at the center of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969.
The very spot where Segal once danced, drank and took part in one of the most consequential moments in LGBTQ history is now the first LGBTQ visitor center within the National Park System.
"At that time, we as a community were totally invisible," said Segal. "LGBT people were not in newspapers, were not in magazines, were not radio, not in television."
...
He continued, "Please don't be mournful. Be cheerful, because what happened [in the LGBTQ equality movement] got us to where we are today. So we should be somewhat celebratory. I know some of us didn't make it. But we're in a better place thanks to those people."
Biden spoke at the opening, as well as several other notable people: https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-pride-president-joe-biden-visit-stonewall-national/15007800/
He told the cheering crowd, "its your love for each other and your community that brought this center to life."
Legendary singer, songwriter and pianist Elton John was also in attendance for the ceremony.
"I can say as a proud English, gay man, that this is one of the greatest honors of my life to be here today," he said. "The fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing one."
See also:
- https://www.cntraveler.com/story/new-york-stonewall-national-monument-visitor-center
- https://www.fastcompany.com/91148016/the-stonewall-inn-monument-gets-a-slick-new-visitors-center
Park Service site: https://www.nps.gov/ston/index.htm