Good morning. It’s Friday. Today, and on Fridays through the summer, we’ll focus on things to do in New York over the weekend.
Diana Rodriguez, the chief executive of Pride Live, is excited about the new Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in Greenwich Village. The center, which opens today after six years of development, pays tribute to the history of the Stonewall uprising, a pivotal event in LGBTQ rights and history.
The center, with its old-fashioned jukebox reminiscent of the one at the Stonewall Inn during the uprising, is a blend of past and present, showcasing the legacy of activism and pride that emerged from that historic night.
The center is a deeply personal project for Rodriguez, whose own family history is intertwined with LGBTQ activism and military service. The space is filled with artifacts and stories that highlight the connections between the past and the present, emphasizing the ongoing fight for equality.
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is a visual representation of how the past continues to shape the present. From the iconic jukebox to the historical photographs tracing Stonewall’s evolution, every detail tells a story of resilience and progress.
As visitors explore the center, they are reminded of the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before, leading up to the annual Pride marches that continue to celebrate LGBTQ rights and visibility.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center and immerse yourself in the rich history of LGBTQ activism. Experience the power of storytelling and solidarity as you explore this historic landmark.
What else to do this weekend
Pride Weekend
With the kids
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A Wonderland weekend: Join the Queen of Hearts at the New York Botanical Garden on Saturday or Sunday for a “Mad for Summer Family Weekend.” At 1 p.m. each day, pot begonias, create watercolor artworks, and more. Costumes are encouraged.
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A queer family musical: At 2 p.m. Saturday, watch a performance of “Rainbow Seekers,” an interactive musical, at Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
More local events
For more events in New York, here’s a list of what to do this month.
METROPOLITAN diary
Caught short
Dear Diary:
After collecting change in a glass jar on my windowsill for months, I was finally ready to cash in my tattoo fund.
On the way to work, I stopped to use the coin exchange machine at a bank across the street from my Midtown office: $103.87.
At noon, I told my co-workers that I was going down to St. Marks Place.
“The tattoo parlor says they are not busy right now,” I said as I ran out, cash in hand. “See you all after lunch.”
One stop on the express to Union Square, then I jog-walked past the Astor Place cube and onto St. Marks.
I showed the woman at the front desk my design.
“How much will it cost, and how long do you think it’ll take?” I asked.
“$100,” she said. “And it won’t take long — half an hour tops.”
I had barely caught my breath when a young woman with short black bangs, winged eyeliner, and latex gloves led me further into the parlor.
She wiped my forearm and began her work.
“It’s a beautiful name,” she said as she drew the last letter with her ink gun.
“It’s my daughter’s,” I gushed. “She turns 1 today.”
I thanked her, hugged her, and went to the register.
When it was my turn to pay, I handed the woman $100 and rolled down my sleeve.
“Do you want to leave a tip?” she asked.
I had forgotten that entirely. All I had left was $3.87. I handed it over, mortified.
I guess I shouldn’t go back there again.
— Gabriela Ponce
