‘Stonewall Gives Back!’ Charity Livestream Announced, NYC Pride Parade Canceled

Timothy A. Clary / AFP / Getty Images – Stonewall Gives Back!
Iconic New York City bar The Stonewall Inn announced a charity livestream on Monday.

Several musicians were announced for “Stonewall Gives Back!” on Monday, a livestreaming concert to benefit the LGBTQ+ nightlife community set for April 23.

Cyndi Lauper, Troye Sivan, Todrick Hall, Rufus Wainwright, Kim Petras, Allie X and more will perform at the event, which is being staged by World of Wonder Productions and The Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, the 501(c)(3) of iconic Manhattan bar The Stonewall Inn.

Erich Bergen, who has produced events including Rosie O’Donnell’s fundraiser and the “Saturday Night Seder” during the coronavirus crisis, will executive produce the concert

“I think this pandemic has made it even more clear just how vulnerable some of our communities actually are,” Bergen said in a statement. “We are coming together to respond to this crisis in a collaborative way, through music, which is the great unifier.”

“Stonewall Gives Back!” will stream on World of Wonder’s YouTube channel, and proceeds will go toward a fund for industry professionals in need of emergency assistance due to COVID-19.

“In general, LGBTQ bars and nightlife have been decimated due to the mass closures during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Stacy Lentz, CEO of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, said in a statement. “These are the original safe spaces for our community, which often makes us feel less alienated and alone. They are a true refuge where we can be ourselves. This industry is now gone and employees of those bars, venues and event spaces are struggling. They rely on tips and gig work and are no longer able to make ends meet. We need this moment to come together as one and help those who keep the LBGTQ nightlife industry thriving.”

“Stonewall Gives Back!” will be sponsored by JetBlue, Brooklyn Brewery, Jäegermeister and Stoli Vodka.

The news arrives on a challenging day for New York City’s LGBTQ+ community. During his daily news briefing Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the cancellation of New York’s annual pride parade, which was set to hold its 50th edition on June 28.

“When thousands and thousands of people gather in one place, of course, that goes against everything we’re trying to do with social distancing and shelter-in-place,” said de Blasio, also announcing the cancellations of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Celebrate Israel Parade.

Janelle Monáe was set to headline a Pride Island bill over New York’s Pride weekend that also included Betty Who, Luisa Sonza and Pussy Riot.