Madonna Speaks to Fans About Pride, Stonewall, and Activism

Madonna Kicks Off World Pride

Madonna made a surprise appearance at New York's Stonewall Inn on New Year's Eve to kick off 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a series of violent standoffs by the LGBTQ community against police raids. The events led to the modern LGBTQ liberation movement and inspired activists to hold the first Pride marches, which took place in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago in the ensuing years.

This summer, New York will host World Pride and welcome millions of queer people and allies from around the globe to celebrate Pride's 50th anniversary in the city that birthed it.

Back at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, the Queen of Pop did not disappoint. Recently, Madonna signed on as a Stonewall Ambassador, a program launched by the organization Pride Live last June to elevate awareness of the 1969 uprising.

Scroll down for The Advocate's exclusive video of the event.

Stonewall Inn owner Kurt Kelly and Madonna

Stonewall Ambassadors Levi Jackman (left) and Ryan Jamaal Swain (right)

Madonna singing with her son David Banda

Video credit: Nuno Xico

Video Credit: Nuno Xico