National STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association (S.R.V.A.)
Events 2010 * 2011 * 2012 * 2013 * 2014 * 2015 * 2016 * 2017 * 2018 * 2019 + 2020 + 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025 + 2026
"STONEWALL Newzletta" and EventsHttps://www.StonewallVets.org/mainpage.htm
SRVA's color theme every April is yellow for Easter!
Updated: 28 April 2026 -- Next Meeting: May 30
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Current month of the SRVA's popular Website's Statistics!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/stats/2026_04.html
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The "SRVA's 57th ANNUAL STONEWALL CONFERENCE & STONEWALL VETERANS REUNION + TESTIMONIALS" is on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 at The Church Of The Village in Manhattan, NYC from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The "SRVA's Annual Conference and Stonewall Veterans Reunion + Testimonials" (the 57th) is the quintessential, longest-happening event in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") New York communities! "The Happening" {a #1 Supremes song} is the ultimate authentic Gay Pride event with ~original~ veterans of the historic NYC police raids and the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion and ~original~ 1969 songs from the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club Jukebox!
Guest speakers include, but are definitely not limited to, surviving veterans of the NYCPD raids on the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club and the historic, five-night 1969 Stonewall Rebellion; public officials from New York City, Long Island and upstate New York; and heads of G.L.B.T. organizations!
Music: Playing original songs from the original STONEWALL Club Jukebox! This year, the presentation theme is Girl Groups: Diana Ross & The Supremes, Mary Weiss & The Shangri-Las, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes and The Motown Marvelettes!
On display: the classic and famous blue 1969 "Stonewall Convertible" with the big whitewall tires, white leather interior and blue fender skirts!
[Look here regularly for weekly updates with so much more 411 to come!]
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S.R.V.A. Monthly Meetings
The National STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans
Association ("S.R.V.A.") of the late 1960s New York
City Police Raids on the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay
Bar & Dance Club and the historic 5-night 1969 Stonewall
Uprising meets on the last Saturday of every month -- unless it is an American holiday such as Independence Day or a holiday weekend such as Halloweekend {when it occurs} or Thanksgiving weekend {occurs every year} at the grand Church Of The Village on SeventhAvenue South at the corner of West 13th Street in Manhattan, New York City, U.S.A. from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m or later! Upcoming meetings are Saturday, May 30th and Saturday, July 25th, 2026.
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11 October 2025 (Saturday) -- HAROLD M. "HALLY" WEINER: FUNERAL MASS and MEMORIAL SERVICE
Hal "Hally" Weiner, Esq. has been an outstanding and dedicated member since the start of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") in the Summer of 1969! For the momentous 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and the likewise 25th anniversary of the S.R.V.A. in June of 1994, Hally was unanimously elected to the SRVA's Board of Directors! He served in that position proudly and admirably until the night he passed on July 9, 2025. The Episcopal funeral mass and memorial service is at the historic and incredible Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Amsterdam Avenue and West 112th Street in Manhattan, NewYork City. The speakers include: Hally's longtime friend and comrade Willson Lee Henderson ("WLH"), founder and director of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association, his oldest mid-50s son Joshua S. Weiner, a revered math teacher and his youngest early-50s son Justin M. Weiner, an architect and a second vocation as a photographer (just like his dad); and longtime friend Willson Lee Henderson ("WLH"), founder and director of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association. In fact, referenced above, Hally was the just licensed attorney who represented Willson in NYC Criminal Court in Manhattan stemming from the Stonewall incident false arrest. Ultimately, after many, many determined months, they won! WLH did not have to pay a fine, the matter was closed, the case was 'sealed' and, finally, about a year later, civil rights lawyer Hally retrievd Willson's set of fingerprints and two mugshots! One of the handsome latter items may be seen at: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/educationprograms.htm. Hally is survived by his three offspring mentioned and four grandchildren Devon, Tyler, Olivia and Lucy. The program begins @ 4 p.m. A catered reception and friends reunion happens in the grand Cathedral House of St. John the Divine Cathedral immediately after the services as provided by the Weiner Family.
* Saturday, June 28th, 2025 -- "The STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCATION's 56th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & STONEWALL REUNION + TESTIMONIALS" at The Church Of The Village in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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The National STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") of the 1969 New York City Police Department ("NYCPD") raids on the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club and the historic 1969 Stonewall Rebellion presents... "The SRVA's 56th Annual Conference & Stonewall Reunion + Testimonials"!
The unique and only gathering of actual veterans of the 1969 NYCPD raids on the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club and the five-night 1969 Uprising in Greenwich Village, NYC, is sponsored annually by the legendary, selfless and non-profit S.R.V.A.! "Stonewall veterans" from all across America, including Washington, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maine and, of course, the Tri-State {NY/CT/NJ}, travel for this ultimate Gay Pride event where... Greenwich Village, NYC! Each has a separate and interesting "Stonewall Story"!
Event is hosted by the still charismatic and incredibly informative Willson Lee Henderson!
Special guest speakers include: New York congressmembers, state senators, assembly members, district leaders, political candidates and judges in addition to the heads of various G.L.B.T. organizations -- plus a surprise, general election, prime NYC mayoral nominee!
Music: Original songs from the original jukebox at the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club! Singing artists include, but definitely are not limited to: Diana Ross & The Supremes {"Someday, We'll Be Together"}, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons {"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of U"}, Barbra Streisand {"My Man"}, Marvin Gay {"I Heard It Through The Grapevine"}, The Shangri-Las {"Past, Present And Future"}, The Four Tops "I'll Turn To Stone"}, Shirley Bassey {"This Is My Life"}, Frank Sinatra {"Strangers In The Night"}, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas {"Dancng In The Street"}, The Beatles {"Come Together"}, Dusty Springfield {Son Of A Preacher Man"}, Len Barry {"1-2-3"}, The Ronettes {"Sleigh Ride"}, The Temptations {"Psychedellic Shack"}, Brenda Holloway {"You've Made Me So Very Happy"}, Tommy James {"Mony, Mony"}, Candy & The Kisses {"Do The 81"}, The Rolling Stones {"Honky Tonk Women"} and, of course, Miss Connie Francis with the international Gay anthem "Where The Boys Are (Someone Waits For Me)"!
The divine venue is the historic and beautiful The Church Of The Village ("TCOTV") located at the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC. Church doors swing open bi 4 p.m. Accessible and many MTA subways at the 14th Street stations at the corner of or within a block of the Church are the #1, #2, #3, A, B, C, E, F and L! You may see the Church and read more about the TCOTV at Https://www.ChurchOfTheVillage.org.
Sunday, June 1st, 2025 -- The SRVA's 22nd ANNUAL STREETFAIR on LOWER BROADWAY at UNION SQUARE, NYC
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association proudly presents its 22nd annual "Stonewall Veterans Streetfair & Expo" on Sunday, June 1st -- the beginning of "Gay Pride Month"! Meet actual survivors of the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Club Demonstrations! See the classic blue 1969 "Stonewall Convertible" -- the only vehicle impounded by the NYCPD during the uprising on the very first night, June 27th, 1969! The SRVA's streetfair segment is hosted bi S.R.V.A. director Willson Henderson and general office manager AnDre Christie. The venue in Manhattan, New York City is on famous Broadway starting south of Union Square from East 14th Street down to the East Village at East 9th Street. S.R.V.A. has an open booth with canopy, tables, chairs, snax and SRVA-related G.L.B.T. literature. The location is easily accessible by subways at the 14th Street Station: #4, #5, #6, L, N, R and Q. By MTA bus, take the crosstown #14. Come to the streetfair!
Saturday, May 31st -- THE EVE of G.L.B.T. PRIDE MONTH: STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION MEETING at THE CHURCH of THE VILLAGE in Manhattan, NYC from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, May 2 -- S.R.V.A. DIRECTOR DUNCHEON with a NYC COUNCILMAN @ 2 p.m.
Friday, May 1st, 2025 -- RECEPTION for NYS ASSEMBLYWOMAN and NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CANDIDATE JENIFER RAJKUMAR at BODEGA 88 RESTAURANT & LOUNGE on the UWS @ 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2025 -- SRVA's MONTHLY MEETING at THE CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE @ 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association incredibly holds its monthly meeting in its 56th year! When the S.R.V.A. first registered with New York State, it was the hot Summer of 1969! {We have the NYS document.}
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The super special guest speaker today is longtime S.R.V.A. supporter NYS Assemblymember and NYC Public Advocate candidate Jenifer J. RAJKUMAR. Jen is also affectionately known as "The Lady In Red" with her stunning and signature red dresses! In contrast, we refer unaffectionately to her opponent as "The Devil With The Blue Dress" .
Election voting motto: DRAJ = Don't Rank Absent Jumaane!
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Venue: Visit the historic NYC Church Of The Village at: Https://www.ChurchOfTheVillage.org
Saturday, March 29 -- S.R.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING
This monthly meeting of the S.R.V.A. is generously hosted by the long-lasting luminary Willson Lee Henderson. Do you have any idea how many educational administrators, teachers and students, et al., besides all the media, he fields and accommodates questions on the historic 1969 Stonewall era, culture, rebellion and survivors? Answer: More than everyone else in the world combined! Unearthed: Rolls of film from decades ago have finally been developed! They include vintage photos of now deceased Stonewall veterans such as Emile Griffith, Dave L. West, Charles R. Snyder, Terri J. Van Dyke, Ray J. McCaffrey and Electra Jane O'Mara!
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The Gay theme of today's get2gether today is the forthcoming "S.R.V.A. 56th Annual Conference & Stonewall Veterans Reunion + Testimonials". The always informative and interesting Pow-Wow is divinely happened at the landmark The Church Of The Village at Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street in Manhattan, NYC from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 -- The SRVA's MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") monthly membership meeting is convened at New York City's landmark The Church Of The Village at the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, New York City from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guest speakers, including NYC candidates, are scheduled between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The S.R.V.A. provides light foods. Feel comfortable to bring your own favorite beverage!
Monday, January 27 -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to STONEWALL UPRISING VETERAN DAVID VELASCO BERMUDEZ in MASSACHUSETTS, WHO TURNS 85 as the SRVA's OLDEST SURVIVING VET
David V. Bermudez is a proud and active Stonewall veteran member of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association for over an incredible half-century! David is also married to his faithful husband Bob Isadore for over an incredible forty years -- especially in challenging Gay life! Now, DVB is celebrating his likewise incredible 85th birthday! For more 411 and photos of David & Bob, visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/DavidBermudez.htm
Saturday, January 25, 2025 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION's FIRST MEETING of the NEW YEAR!
The SRVA's first of ten consecutive monthly meetings in 2025 is today! The always informative and interesting get2gether of actual Stonewall Rebellion veterans is hosted by the recently re-elected S.R.V.A. director Willson Lee Henderson. The newly-elected First Vice-President Christy Ann Jenkinsis on the West Coast and shall join us by conference call on speaker phone. Besides bi-partisan, the S.R.V.A. is bi-coastal in addition to well-represented by bi-sexual! Main topic: Developing ideas for the "SRVA's 56th Annual Conference & Reunion" on the last Saturday in June. There is a special tribute today to Stonewall veteran Bettye Carol Bristol who passed last month in Cleveland, Ohio at 72.
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The beautiful venue is the historic Church Of The Village at the corner of Seventh Avenue South and West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, N.Y.C. {10011} from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Confirmed guest speakers, including a surprise, prominent, elected NYS official and a few NYC Council candidates, are scheduled quarterly from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Refreshments and beverages are provided by the S.R.V.A.
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/mainpage.htm
Sunday, January 19 -- S.R.V.A. DINNER MEETING with a PROMINENT NYC MAYORAL CANDIDATE
This long-planned, follow-up meeting, political appetizers, discussions, strategy dinner, networking and campaign deserts with a prominent (not the Schlub or a Ugandan) happens at the popular Morandi Restaurant & Lounge on Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village, NYC @ 6 p.m. in a mild snowstorm!
2025 -- The 56th ANNIVERSARY of the 1969 STONEWALL UPRISING, the 56th ANNIVERSARY of the STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION and the 56th ANNIVERSARY of the FAMOUS 1969 "STONEWALL CONVERTIBLE"!
Sunday, December 29 -- BIRTHDAY DIN-DIN + DRINX for the SRVA's GENERAL MANAGER ANDRE CHRISTIE
AnDre M. Christie has steadfastly, diligently and loyally -- all with his energetic attitude, Luigi build and handsome looks -- worked his way up at the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") from Youth-4-SRVA organizer through assistant to the director Willson L. Henderson to general manager for the past twenty-one years since Gay Pride Sunday of 2003! During that time, AnDre is also the one-and-only to proudly drive the classic and famous 1969 "Stonewall Convertible" in any and all of the New York City Gay Pride parades! Special guest speaker is a prominent (not The Schlub) NYC 2025 mayoral candidate! Glasses clang-clang-clang (like Judy Garland's trolley car) at Morandi Restaurant @ 6 p.m. sharp! "The Happening" is appropriately hosted by the SRVA's highly-sociable founder Willson Hendeson.
Saturday, December 28 -- The SRVA'S LAST MONTHLY MEETING of the YEAR 2024 with MANY SPECIAL GUESTS! {"Same time, same place"}
Monday, December 16 -- BROADWAY CARES / EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS SALUTES its LONGTIME and RETIRING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and PRODUCER TOM A. VIOLA
The super shindig for Thomas A. Viola shall boast a "who's who" of Broadway stars, producers, directors and performers besides the heads of endless non-profit organizations! The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association is being proudly and gratefully represented by director Willson Henderson and manager AnDre Christie -- two friends of TAV's for many, many years (decades)! The fabulous venue is the historic and glamorous Edison Theatre Ballroom near Times Square on West 47th Street west of Broadway @ 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Cheers to TAV!
Thurs., Dec. 12 -- BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to a 1969 STONEWALL JUKEBOX FAVE: DIONNE WARWICK
December 12th, 2024 -- REMEMBERING the GREAT NYC MAYOR ED KOCH (1924 to 2013) {click this heading}
Thursday, December 12 -- BIRTHDAY CHEER to the LEGENDARY SINGER CONNIE FRANCIS with the FIRST and INTERNATIONAL GAY ANTHEM SONG: "WHERE THE BOYS ARE!" {click this header link}
Tuesday, December 10 -- S.R.V.A. SUPPER MEETING with a NYC COUNCILWOMAN and HER CHIEF-OF-STAFF at MORANDI RESTAURANT @ 4 p.m.
December 2024 -- THE ETERNAL STORY of "SLEIGH RIDE" by THE RONETTES
Every mid-December to the end of the month, there were several assorted pop and soul holiday songs in the -original- STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club jukebox! One of the most popular Christmas songs -- although the word 'Christmas' is not even mentioned in the song -- was the traditional "Sleigh Ride (Ding-a-Ling Ding-Dong-Ding)" by The Ronettes reinvented with a lively rock twist by music mastermind Phil Spector and the inimitable girlish voice of Ronnie! You will not find this inside info at the curreent rented 'Stonewall' storefront or anywhere else as they were not there; WE were! As you are reading this, "Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes is in the 'Top 10' of the holiday songs right now sicty years later in 2024!
Https://www.SmoothRadio.com/features/the-story-of/sleigh-ride-the-ronettes-facts
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For more 411 on the all-time, number one holiday album "A Christmas Gift For U" produced by Phil Spector with pix of all the artists, including Darlene Love, The Ronettes, Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans, and The Crystals, view:
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm
Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 31 -- THANKSGIVING WEEKEND: TURKEY, YES; MEETINGS NO!
Friday, November 22nd, 2024 -- REMEMBERING.... U.S. PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY
Monday, November 11 -- CHRISTY A. JENKINS, of the S.R.V.A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and LIAISON to CALIFORNIA, SEPTURIAN BIRTHDAY in LOS ANGELES, CA
Sunday, November 10 -- BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to ROLAND EMMERICH, the CREATOR and DIRECTOR of the ICONIC and QUINTESSENTIAL MOVIE "STONEWALL!" {click this subject title for more 411}
Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 -- U.S.A. ELECTION DAY.... vote! Vote!! VOTE!!!
Thursday, October 31 -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN a/k/a "GAY XMAS"
Saturday, October 26 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION MEETING at THE CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE in Manhattan, NYC from 3:15 to 5 p.m.
Friday, October 11 -- "COMING OUT GAY DAY"
Saturday, October 5th, 2024 -- WILLSON LEE HENDERSON'S BIRTHDAY, the CREATIVE FOUNDER and ELECTED DIRECTOR of the NATIONAL STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION {click on subject title}
Saturday, September 28 -- MONTHLY STONEWALL VETERANS GATHERING at THE CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE in GREENWICH ViLLAGE from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The S.R.V.A. is overjoyed to announce that we have several 1969 Stonewall Rebellion veterans attending this end-of-Summer month who we have not seen in a year or more and up to ten years! Each of their appearances is a guarded surprise! This month's mysterious guest speaker -- for his first time --is a New York City mayoral candidate for 2025! As ever, the S.R.V.A. is ahead of the curve. We do not need to be in baseball season -- maybe a 'Subway Series' -- to have a lot of curve balls in NYC politics! For more 411 on the SRVA's current and upcoming events, plesase visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/upcomingevents.htm.
September 11th, 2024 -- Twenty-Third ANNIVERSARY of the BARBARIC, COWARDLY and EVIL FOUR (4) TERRORIST ATTACKS on the UNITED STATES of AMERICA in MANHATTAN, NY on both TWIN TOWERS of the WORLD TRADE CENTER; in WASHINGTON, DC at THE PENTAGON; and in SHANKSVILLE, PA!!!!
Saturday, August 31 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING
It is 55 long years since the "Gay Summer of 1969" yet the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association soldiers on providing authentic information and worthwhile services unique unto the S.R.V.A.! Topic: The sham event of the Stonewall Monument storefront Visitors Center the which featured a loss of approximately ninety-percent of factual Stonewall history, including the obvious choice of the police-impounded 1969 "Stonewall Convertible" on the first night of the uprising! This sham event was longtime schemed by the NPS and other out-of-towners and hijacked by some dubious, self-serving local electeds such as 'The Natler' and 'The Brat' -- yet was shamefully absent of actual Stonewall veterans. Meetings of the S.R.V.A. always feature a special guest speaker. The SRVA's steadfast monthly meeting is at The Church Of The Village in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance is around the corner from the Church at 201 West 13th Street at the red door!
Saturday, July 27 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION's 55th ANNIVERSARY MEETING
+++++ S.R.V.A. ANNIVERSARY MEETING: SATURDAY, 27th of JULY +++++
Year 2024 is the incredible 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising!
The next meeting of the *STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association*
("S.R.V.A.") is on last Saturday of the month: July 27 @ 3:15 p.m.
The occasion is celebrating the also incredible "*SRVA's 55th Anniversary*"!
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The meeting is at The Church Of The Village on Seventh Avenue South
at the corner of West 13 Street in Greenwich Village, New York City
from 3:15 pm to 5 pm. Hosted by Willson Henderson and Bert Coffman.
Legendary 'Stonewall veterans' are always in attendance -- plus Q&A!
Quality foods provided courtesy of Mr. Cats' Gristedes Supermarket.
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To visit The Church Of The Village's website:
>Https://www.ChurchOfTheVillage.org
Direx: New York City Subways #1/2/3 + A/C/E/F/L/Q to West 14 Street.
>Https://www.StonewallVets.org/upcomingevents.htm
Thursday, July 11, 2024 -- 55th ANNIVERSARY of the STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the legendary STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") has at its historic and realistic basis: As unexpected and incredible as the Stonewall Rebellion was at the ~original~ Stonewall Gay Bar & Dance Club on Friday night, June 27th, 1969, the day of internatonal Gay icon Judy Garland's funeral, it is also incredible that since it was founded two weeks later on Friday, July 11th, 1969, the S.R.V.A. still exists and prospers fifty-five long years later, particularly with the natural loss of Stonewall veterans and, unfortunately, with underwhelming appreciation and limited support! Nonetheless, besides its many educational and community projects, the S.R.V.A. sponsors an annual conference and reunion, hosts monthly meetings in Greenwich Village where it all started and provides its public programs and multiple care for the veterans of Stonewall and many others!
Saturday, June 29th, 2024 -- The STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS ASSOCIATION's "55th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & STONEWALL VETERANS REUNION + TESTIMONIALS" at The CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE, 42 Seventh Avenue South at corner of West 13 Street, Manhattan, New York City @ 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association's ("S.R.V.A.") totally unique event is a one-of-a-kind happening in more ways than we could ever enumerate -- starting with the reality that the actual veterans of the late June and early July 1969 Stonewall Uprising shall not be living forever {but neither will you}. It is particularly the reality after 55 years since the rebellion! All the Stonewall Vetz are now elders! In respectful circles, they are regarded as "Gay Royalty"! So, like the Darlene Love song of the ~original~ STONEWALL Bar & Gay Dance Club Jukebox in 1968 played with great advice: "Cherish What Is Dear To U While It's Near To U"!
Many 'veterans' of the ~original~ STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club police raids and the six-night 1969 Stonewall Rebellion will be present and individually speak to the audience! The S/W vets will be arriving for the Gay Pride Weekend from near and far! Most of the veterans of the STONEWALL Club raids and uprising are still in the Tri-State (NY/NJ/CT) area. Confirmed Stonewall veterans who shall be speaking from the podium include, but are not limited to {list in formation}: Willson Lee Henderson, Bert Coffman, Rusty Rose, David Bermudez, Joani Sobel and Leigh McManus plus the legendary S.R.V.A. civil rights attorney Hal M. Weiner, Esq. Out-of-towner S/W vets attending the 55th annual reunion include: Christy Ann Jenkins, the SRVA's liaison to California, is flying cross-country from Los Angeles. Stonewall vet Bobalu Candelaria, the SRVA's liaison to Florida, is bussing up from Miami. Stonewall princess Patti Stone is training up from way down yonder in New Orleans!
New York public officials featuring bi-partisan U.S. congressmembers Tom R. Suozzi (D) and Michael V. Lawler (R) in addition to NY state senators, assemblymembers and judges will be attending and speaking. Https://www.StonewallVets.org/prominentsupporters.htm
We are happy to announce and honored that where the S.R.V.A. conference is happening, the pastor of The Church Of The Village, Reverend Jeff Wells, shall be providing the significant Invocation of the S.R.V.A. conference. Due to Pastor Wells' tight Gay Pride Weekend schedule, this Invocation shall necessarily begin at exactly 4 p.m.
Musical feature of the conference is with golden great songs to be played at the opening @ 4 p.m. Authentic "Songs of The Original STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club Jukebox (1966 to 1969)" including out-standing singing artists and concert performers such as: Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, The Shangri-Las, The Temptations, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gay, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Smokey Robinson, The Ronettes, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Petula Clark, Tommy James, The Marvelettes, The Rolling Stones, Tammi Terrell, Len Barry, The Chiffons, Michael Jackson & The J-5, and, of course, the #1 international Gay anthem "Where The Boys Are!" by Miss Connie Francis! The music at the ~original~ STONEWALL Dance Club was the atmospheric glue of the familial feel and fun! People looked forward to going to a lively Gay bar and/or club with people fundamentally like them or folks who like people like them, especially a place with dancing, hearing their favorite songs and dancing with their friends and favorite partners!
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NOTE: New York publicly elected officials and G.L.B.T. or straight organization heads who want to relevantly speak at the SRVA's conference and reunion should contact the S.R.V.A. by phone (no texts) at (212) 627-1969 or via e-mail at: SRVA@StonewallVets.org.
Television: CBS-TV (Channel 2 in NYC) is confirmed to cover the S.R.V.A. real Pride event with the Stonewall vets panel Willson, Christy, Rusty and Joani via reporter Derick Waller.
Radio: WABC-AM radio with John Catsimatides and Rita Cosby host annual "Gay Pride Show" with Stonewall vets Willson Henderson and Bert Coffman on Friday, June 28 @ 5:30 p.m.
Plan Ahead: Next year's "S.R.V.A. Stonewall 56 Conference" shall be June 28, 2025 @ 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 27th -- 55th ANNIVERSARY of the 1969 STONEWALL REBELLION!
June 27th, 1969 is the most significant date in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") history as the first night of the historic Stonewall Rebellion in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/Stonewall_Era_Club_People_Rebellion.htm
Sunday, June 2 -- The SRVA's 21st ANNUAL NYC STONEWALL VETZ STREETFAIR
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.R.V.A.") sponsors its 21st annual New York City streetfair on sunny Sunday, the 2nd of June 2024 -- most appropriately on the first weekend of Gay Pride Month! On display this year will be the classic and famous blue 1969 "Stonewall Convertible" -- the ony vehicle impounded by the NYCPD at the historic Stonewall Rebellion! Many people attend just to see and photo this renowned and stunning vehicle -- and then go shopping! Streetfair location is the same for the past several years: South of Union Square on Broadway from East 14th Street down to East 8th Street in Manhattan, NYC. The S.R.V.A. Streetfair is always unique from the so-called typical 'street fair'! Direx: Subway trains 4, 5, 6 and 'L' to Union Square/14th Street station all conveniently stop at the corner. The streetfair starts @ 10 a.m.; the S.R.V.A. opens its canopied space @ noon with information tables and literature for the public and chairs for Stonewall veterans! The SRVA's streetfair is produced exclusively by Mardi Gras Productions! Savor the foods, shop the products and join the fun!
Saturday, May 25 -- S.R.V.A. PRE-PRIDE MONTHLY MEETING on MEMORIAL WEEKEND
This pre-Pride meeting of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association must be dedicated exclusively to the discussions and planning of next month's "S.R.V.A. 55th Annual Conference & Stonewall Reunion". There will be one special guest public official speaker -- as an appetizer for the person guesting at the SRVA's conference! Media guest is Dusty Berke, the editor-upcoming in-chief of West View News. She will be acquiring info from the S.R.V.A. for their annual "Gay Pride" edition. Today's get2gether at The Church Of The Village starts up @ 3:15 p.m. and winds down at about 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETS ASSN. MONTHLY MEETING
Special S.R.V.A. reports will be provided by Stonewall veterans Willson Henderson, Joani Sobel, Bert Coffman, Rusty Rose and Ramon Bellido! Stonewall vet Christy Jenkins conference calls her report from the West Coast. Continued planning for the SRVA's 55th annual get2gether on June 29th. The monthly meeting is at The Church Of The Village at the Gay corner of Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, NYC from 3:15 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 30 -- S.R.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING in SPRINGTIME at The CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE @ 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26 -- SUPREME BIRTHDAY: DIANA ROSS
Queen Diana Ross & The Supremes ("DRS") had absolutely the most in number and the most fun-providing single records in the ~original~ STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club! This is a known fact to anyone who was actually there -and- a regular at the club! As the SRVA's founder Willson Henderson accurately recalls: "DRS typically had four singles released yearly by Motown Records in the STONEWALL {authentic spelling} jukebox from 1966 through 1969. One year it was five singles with the addition of a Chrismas holiday single ("My Favorite Things", sung solely by Diana) and in 1968 five singles (including the #1 "Love Child") with the addition of a #1 duet song with their Motown stablemates The Temptations ("I'm Gonna Make U Love Me"). In 1969, DRS had six single-release records with their four quarterly singles plus two with The Tempts! Diana ended the 1960s, known as the best period of music, with literally the last song of the decade: the #1 "Someday We'' Be Together" (intended by Berry Gordy to be Diana's first solo record; in fact, it actually was although billed with The Supes)". Many more happy, musical and healthy birthdays to Queen Diana!
Saturday, February 24 -- S.R.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING at THE CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE in MANHATTAN, NYC @ 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Reminder that the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association meets regardless of the weather (in NY February, U never know) . We are like the postpersons! Stonewall veteran Willson Henderson lays out the significant agenda for the organization's 55th anniversary year, particularly the SRVA's annual conference! S/W vet Joani Sobel fills in for ailing secretary S/W vet Ruthybird Marmelstein, a robust public officials updates section is poudly presented by S/W vet Bert Coffman and S/W vet Ramon Bellido reveals the SRVA's new social schedule, so far, for 'Stonewall 55'. The monthly recurring (such as office rent and electric) and the non-recurring (such as classic car insurance and historic auto registration) group's monthly expenses are enumerated by Mendy Seltza . The SRVA's welcoming and handsome general manager, AnDre Christie, co-hosts the always happy get2gether! Everything starts divinely at The Church Of The Village at 42 Seventh Avenue in Greenwich Village, NYC @ 3:15 p.m.
Saturday, January 27th, 2024 --- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association's first meeting of the new year -- and our 55th annual year! It is, therefore, the 55th year of the historic 1969 Stonewall Rebellion for G.L.B.T. respect and rights! Pow-wow is conducted by S.R.V.A. chief Willson Henderson. There is a special tribute to Miss Mary Weiss, lead singer of the iconic girl group The Shangri-Las! Happy to be together again in person after a couple of end-of-month holiday weekends, the S.R.V.A. meets at The Church Of The Village at 42 Seventh Avenue South at the corner of West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. or so!
Friday, January 19 -- MARY WEISS, LEADER of THE SHANGRI-LAS, PASSES at 75
The great Shangri-Las, led by the talented, dramatic and lovely Mary Weiss were international singing stars in the mid- and late 1960s! Their music is timeless. Their biggest girl group hit songs include: "Leader Of The Pack", "Remember, Walking In The Sand", "Give Him A Great Big Kiss", "Out In The Streets", "Give Us Your Blessings", "Long Live Our Love" and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore"! For the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association's "38th Annual S.R.V.A. Conference and Stonewall Vets Reunion" in Greenwich Village, NYC in 2007, the group's director Willson Henderson, who maintained a longtime friendship with Mary, had super singer Mary Weiss as the special guest speaker -- and singer! She enjoyed meeting so many actual veterans of the Stonewall Rebellion (nearly forty years earlier) and listening to the "Songs of The Original Stonewall Club Jukebox"! There was a special tribute to Mary of Shangri-Las songs! Not having any children, Mary is survived by her vivacious Shangri-Las quad bandmate and sister Betty Weiss (from Long Island, NY). For more 411 on Mary Weiss & The Shangri-Las, visit: "Songs of The Original STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club Jukebox, Volume 5"! Mary's music lives on 4ever!
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Https://www.RollingStone.com/music/music-news/mary-weiss-the-shangri-las-dead-obituary-123495047
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Monday, December 25th -- CHRISTMAS DAY -- International Holiday!
"A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU" rccord album, considered the best popular and rock 'n' roll 'n' soul record album of all time, produced by the legendary Phil Spector and featuring the incredible voices of Darlene Love (the original 'Queen of Christmas'), Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes (the 'Sleigh Ride' girls), LaLa Brooks & The Crystals and the under-recognized Bobby Sheen (Bob B. Soxx) & The Blue Jeans with a 'Wall of Sound' of musicians and endless background singers including Edna Wright (Darlene's sister and later the lead singer of The Honey Cone) and Cher! This Christmas, after several decades, Cher, ironically recorded her own "Christmas" album and included Darlene Love with their reprising of the quintessential holiday rocker "Christmas, Baby Please Come Home"!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm
Tuesday, December 12 -- CONNIE FRANCIS's BIRTHDAY: LEGENDARY and ALL-TIME GAY FAVORITE SINGER
Miss Connie Francis, voted America's most popuar and favorite singer several years in the late 1950s and early 1960s, also has the distinction of having the first Gay Anthem: "Where The Boys Are"! Not only was "WTBA" a successful movie -- co-starring Connie Francis -- but her song of the same name went up to the top of the charts!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-4.htm
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 -- REMEMBERING the GREAT NYC MAYOR ED KOCH (1924 to 2013)
Edward I. Koch was super special to the great City of New York as a NYC councilmember, a U.S. congressmember and a three-term winning NYC mayor -- plus continuing on as a political force, besides a book publisher "Mayor", among others, and a popular reviewer of movies columnist. Mayor Ed was particularly special to his favorite G.L.B.T. organization, the historic STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") as its longtime, 44-year honorary male chairperson, guest speaker and financial supporter from the time that the S.R.V.A. commenced in the Summer of 1969 to the day that Mayor Ed passed in the Winter of 2013 at near 90!
Friday, December 8 -- "THE CHRISTMAS SHOW" at ST. GEORGE THEATRE, NYC
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association has our traditional, complementary tickets -- front and center -- for the annual "Christmas Show" at the historic St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NYC. The theatre is a stone's throw (or two) from the famous Staten Island Ferry! Showtime is @ 7 p.m. For much more 411, see: Https://www.SGTR.org.
Friday, December 1 -- NATIONAL AIDS AWARENESS DAY: REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST - especially all of the Stonewall Rebellion Veterans!
Thursday, November 23, 2023 -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- be thankful for your freedom (hopefully, you have it) and ~all~ of your blessings!
Monday, November 13 -- WINNING VOTING RESULTS: MOST POPULAR NEW YORK CITY MAYORS in PAST HALF-CENTURY!
#1 > Mayor Ed KOCH (Dem.)
#2 > Mayor Rudy GIULIANI (Rep.)
#3 > Mayor Michael BLOOMBERG (Ind.)
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Prior Polling Event sponsored by the S.R.V.A.:
VOTE for YOUR FAVORITE NEW YORK CITY MAYOR as of STONEWALL Era!
You may officially vote once via telephone, e-mail, fax or text!
Candidates listed traditionally S.R.V.A. in reverse alpha order:
1. Mayor John V. LINDSAY (1966-1973) [2 terms]
2. Mayor Edward I. KOCH (1978-1989) [3 terms]
3. Mayor Rudy W. GIULIANI (1994-2001) [2 terms]
4. Mayor David N. DINKENS (1990-1993) [1 term]
5. Mayor Michael R. BLOOMBERG (2002-2013) [3 terms]
6. Mayor W. Bill DE BLASIO (2014-2021) [2 terms]
7. Mayor Abraham D. BEAME (1974-1977) [1 term]
8. Mayor Eric L. ADAMS (2022-present) [1 term]
Voting was from October 1st through November 7th, Election Day!
To vote once, see the SRVA's contact info (phone, email, and fax #).
Friday, November 10 -- BIRTHDAY: MOVIE PRODUCER ROLAND EMMERICH
Among many other great movies such as "Independence Day", "The Patriot", "Stargate", "The Day After Tomorrow", "2012", "Independence Day Resurgence", "White House Down", "Midway" (remake) and "Moonfall", Roland Emmerich created, produced and directed the quintessential media source about the historic G.L.B.T. Stonewall Rebellion... his movie "STONEWALL!". In fact, openly-Gay Roland personally and his producers interviewed over a baker's dozen actual Stonewall veterans, plus some NYCPD Stonewall cops, of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising! We know that with his incredible forty-year filmography, Mr. Emmerich will have an out-of-this-world birthday! For more on Roland and his powerful, informative and exciting movie "STONEWALL!", visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/Stonewallmovie.htm.
Tuesday, November 7 -- ELECTION DAY -- vote! Vote! VOTE!
Tuesday, October 31st -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN also known as GAY XMAS!
The "50th Annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade" is this evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Avenue Of The Americas (aka Sixth Avenue) from appropriately-named Broome Street in Greenwich Village to West 19th Street in Chelsea, NYC. For many decades when more, not less, Stonewall veteran survivors were alive, the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association was a known favorite in the annual Halloween Parade with the famous, eye-catching, blue 1969 "Stonewall Convertible"!
Saturday, October 28, 2023 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION's G.L.B.T. HISTORY MONTH MEETING
This is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") History Month! Unequivocably, the G.L.B.T. veterans and our strait friends of the historic 1969 Stonewall Rebellion are the sole catalyst for the modern history and the subsequently created "Gay History Month"! Exactly two weeks after the uprising, the first G.L.B.T. organization to be created was the S.R.V.A. on Friday evening, July 11th, 1969 -- not any so-called 'liberation front group'! Fifty-four-and-a-half years later, at the get2gether today, we are presenting the SRVA's most significant letters of praise and appreciation in the past year from prominent public officials and G.L.B.T. organizations including, but absolutely not limited to, the Human Rights Campaign (America), U.S. Congressman Hakeem S. Jeffries (Brooklyn), S.A.G.E. {Seniors Active in a Gay Environment} (USA), Congresswoman Nicole C. Malliotakis (Staten Island), the G.L.B.T. Political Coalition (NYC), and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams (Queens), the most important councilmember! The always informative and uniquely interesting S.R.V.A. meeting is from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. or so at The Church Of The Village at 42 Seventh Avenue at the corner of West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC.
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/upcomingevents.htm
Wednesday, October 25 -- S.R.V.A. MEETING with CORPORATE SPONSOR in THE BRONX, NYC @ 1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 11 -- GAY+ "COMING OUT" DAY!
October 5th (Thursday) -- BIRTHDAY of SRVA's FOUNDER and DIRECTOR WILLSON LEE HENDERSON
Willson Lee Henderson("WLH") is the provocative founder and persistent director of the first G.L.B.T. organization after the historic 1969 Stonewall Uprising! Fortunately, WLH is still 'ready, willing and able' plus still dedicated to perform all of the myriad duties of the concerns, needs and issues of the iconic Stonewall veterans! When educational administrators, teachers, students, et al. and all of the media want to know the 411 about the original STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club and the actual Stonewall Rebellion, they first and foremost contact WLH or one of the other members of the S.R.V.A.! And Willson, more than anyone, remains the founder of more organizations in G.L.B.T. history! They are listed in his S.R.V.A. webfile (which is linked below). We cannot imagine anyone in the G.L.B.T. communities that deserves a happier, healthier and more thankful birthday than WLH!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/WillsonHenderson.htm
Saturday, September 30, 2023 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS AUTUMN MEETING
For the S.R.V.A. monthly meeting on the last Saturday of every month details and venue at The Church Of The Village, see the below 411.
Saturday, August 26, 2023 -- S.R.V.A. SUMMERTIME MONTHLY MEETING
For all of the S.R.V.A. meeting details and venue at The Church Of The Village, see below.
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/upcomingevents.htm
July 29 (Saturday) -- THE SRVA's 54th ANNIVERSARY MEETING
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Asssociation ("S.R.V.A.") -- the oldest G.L.B.T. organization in New York, if not America and the World -- holds its incredible 54th annual anniversary get2gether! The non-profit S.R.V.A. has been registered with the New York State Charities Bureau since the Summer of 1969. On this auspices anniversary occasion today, the organization is providing copies of that vintage documention. Although the S.R.V.A. is, naturally, without most of our Stonewall participants, and despite all the odds, we are still here and with our spirit still enlightening and our determination still full-steam ahead! When educational administrators, teachers, students and the media want anwers about the ~original~ STONEWALL Club, the "Stonewall Era" and the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, they do-not-call the current heterosexually-owned Stonewall Bar nor the revisionist Gay caucus at the NYC Council -- they contact the real thing... the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association!
The SRVA's *Surprise Special Speaker* is an outstanding New York City congressional candidate for next year's Primary election in late June! There are tributes to two prominent members of the S.R.V.A. who share their demised anniversary this month: NYC Councilman and S.R.V.A. honorary member James E. Davis and Boxing Champion and S.R.V.A. charter official Emile A. Griffith. The monthly get2gether is reliably and dilligently hosted by the SRVA's founder and Screen Actors Guild ("SAG") member Willson Lee Henderson. This special anniversary meeting is at The Church Of The Village begins @ 3:15 p.m. Quality foods and refreshments are provided by the S.R.V.A. Today's appropriate ~original~ STONEWALL Jukebox theme song is "Heatwave!" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas on Motown Records.
July 23rd, 2023 (Sunday) -- SRVA'S EMILE GRIFFITH REMEMBERED - Ten Years Later
The unquestionably legendary Emile A. Griffith, born in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, was once a women's hatmaker (that was a Gay clue) and went on to become a worldwide Boxing Champion!
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/EmileGriffith.htm
Sunday, July 23, 2023 -- REMEMBERING COUNCILMAN JAMES E. "JED" DAVIS
Former New York City Councilman and District Leader and former New York City Police Department officer and trainer James Earl "Jed" Davis was shockingly and publicly gunned down two decades ago by an openly-Gay associate of his in New York City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2003. Jed was only 41. He was a prominent, active and supportive honorary member of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association. Te last Gay organization that Jed attended was the the S.R.V.A. For more 411 on Jed and his strong relationship to the S.R.V.A. and especially its director Willson Henderson, please view:
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/JamesDavis.htm
June 29 (Thursday) -- DIVA DIANA ROSS RETURNS to RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
It is supremely significant that Miss Diana Ross returns to the internationally-known Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, NYC -- and so soon -- to perform during Gay Pride Week! After all, with her legions of worldwide Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") admirers and the fact that the Stonewall Rebellion ignited in Manhattan, makes it all the more significant! Besides the great opening song of the greatest Gay anthem, "I'm Coming Out", we expect to hear several hit songs that were supremely popular in all of the Gar Bar and Dance Club jukeboxes around the world! Those Diana-led Supremes songs include, but are not limited to: "Reflections", "U Keep Me Hangin' On", "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone", "I'm Gonna Make U Love Me", "(Mama Said) You Can't Hurry Love", "I'm Living In Shame", "Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart", "Love Child", "My World Is Empty Without U, Babe", "There's No Stopping Us Now", "No Matter What Sign U Are", "In And Out Of Love" and, of course, "Someday We'll Be Together" -- the final #1 song of all of the 1960s! Trust us, as always, several members of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association have our front and center tickets for Thursday evening @ 8 p.m. to supremely enjoy all of Diana!
27th June 2023 (Tuesday) -- FIRST NIGHT of the 1969 NYC STONEWALL REBELLION
The most significant date in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") his/herstory -- bar (pun intended) none! The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") was founded on July 11th, exactly two weeks after the last night of the Stonewall Uprising! Happy -- and historic -- June 27th!
June 24th, 2023 (last Saturday) -- The STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION PRESENTS its "S.R.V.A. 54th ANNUAL CONFERENCE, STONEWALL REUNION + TESTIMONIALS" @ 3:15 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Theee most authentic "Pride" in the World that anyone could attend or particpate in is the authentic and annual National STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") conference, Stonewall Veterans reunion and Stonewall Era testimonials! There shall be many relevant guest speakers, especially actual Stonewall vets and elected New York public officials! On display: the classic and iconic blue 1969 convertible 'impounded' by the NYCPD on the first night of the Stonewall Rebellion on Friday, June 27th 1969. The famous vehicle is now 54 years!
Confirmed iconic veterans of the five-night, non-consecutive nights from June 27, 1969 to Juky 3, 1969 Stonewall Rebellion include, but are not limited to: Willson Henderson, Patti Stone, Bert Coffman, Leigh McManus, Joani Sobel, Ramon Bellido and Ruthybird Campbell. All will provide on-the-scene unique and varied experiences at the Stonewall uprising!
Special guest speakers include, but are definitely not limited to: U.S. congressmembers, N.Y. assemblymembers, state senators, district leaders, judges, et al. and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trangender ("G.L.B.T.") organization heads! (Diss-invited are the ill-informed, slanderous and noxious liars of the 'LGBTQRIA2SNB+++' caucus of the current New York City Council.)
The SRVA's event "The Happening" (a number one song during the Stonewall Era) features great and actual songs popular in the ~original~ STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club jukebox! While the songs typically featured commercial hit songs, it played songs uniquely successful in the national Gay community. The most popular songsters in the jukebox include, but are not limited to: Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gay, Candy & The Kisses, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, The Shangri-Las, The Temptations, Dusty Springfield, Edwin Starr, The Fifth Dimension, The Beach Boys, Brenda Holloway, B.J. Thomas, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Herb Alpert, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Jackie de Shannon, Len Barry, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Tommy James & The Shondells, Cilla Black (she's White), Frank Sinatra, The Flirtations, Michael Jackson & The J-5, and many more -- plus Miss Connie Francis with the original Gay Anthem... "Where The Boys Are"!
The 'Shindig' miraculously ignites in The Sanctuary of The Church Of The Village @ 3:15 p.m. until it resurrects @ approximately 5:30 p.m. To see a picture of the famous Church and its scenic steeple, visit the New York City popular G.L.B.T. geographic sites at:
Https://www.NYCLGBTsites.org/site/metropolitan-duane-united-methodist-church
'The Hullabaloo' dances on until 6-ish! For more event 411, refer folks to this weblink: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/upcomingevents.htm.
June 22 (Thursday) -- STONEWALL VETERANS on WABC RADIO'S GAY PRIDE CELEBRATION w/ Mr. CATS
This annual celebration of authentic Gay Pride is sponsored by New York's #1 radio station: WABC-AM! Confirmed original STONEWALL Club patrons and Stonewall veterans include Willson Henderson, Leigh McManus and Bert Coffman. The S/W vets are joined by longtime S.R.V.A. supporter former New York Governor David Patterson and openly-Gay former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreavey. The show is hosted by the legendary Mr. John Catsimatidis ("Mr. Cats") himself and sweet Rita Cosby. The show airs 'live' @ 5 p.m.
May 27 (Saturday) -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MEETING on AMERICAN MEMORIAL WEEKEND
This STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association's monthly meeting zeroes in on planning for next month's "S.R.V.A. Conference & Stonewall Reunion" {see above entry}! Legal updates on current defamation lawsuit against Schleps Media dba Gay City News aka the Gayragpaper! Meeting venue is held religiously at The Church Of The Village in Greenwich Village, NYC, from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special tribute to an ~original~ Stonewall Club jukebox songstress Tina Turner. There is also a special "Stonewall Veterans Memorial" -- remembering all of the Stonewall Rebellion veterans we have lost -- dinner at Morandi Restaurant after the get2gether. Somebody should remember them! That is yet another function of the S.R.V.A.!
May 24 (Wednesday) -- TRIBUTE: SONGSTRESS TINA TURNER
The quintessential "Queen of Rock & Roll + Soul" Tina Turner transitioned today, after eight decades, into Rock & Roll Heaven! Miss Tina was always a favourite of the G.L.B.T. communities not only because of her great entertainment talent as a singer, dancer and actress, but due to her total uniqueness, speaking her mind and overcoming many victimizations! Did Tina have any songs in the ~original~ Stonewall Gay Bar & Dance Club jukebox? What do U think? TT's biggest hit in all of the Gay bar jukeboxes was the exciting, super mid-1960s dance song "River Deep, Mountain High", written by Ellie "Be My Baby" Greenwich and produced by the legendary Phil Spector. It was the impressario's greatest musical production. "RDMH" was the solo song by Tina that liberated her to an incredible life in successful song. R.I.P., Tina!
May 13 (Saturday) -- SRVA's 20th ANNUAL NEW YORK CITY STREETFAIR
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") sponsors its twentieth annual "NYC Stonewall Streetfair"! The S.R.V.A. shall participate in its "Stonewall Vets Streetfair" with a display booth and tent with Stonewall veterans interviews, distributed literature and limited seating for S/W vets. There is plenty to buy, including unique artwork, distinctive clothes and all types of food! Something that you will not find at any other streetfair: the classic and famous blue 1969 "Stonewall Convertible"! The streetfair is again appropriately 'On Broadway', south of Union Square from East 14 Street to East 9th Street in Manhattan, NYC, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The SRVA's streetfair is professionally produced by Mardi Gras Productions.
April 29 (Saturday) -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MEETING at THE CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE, NYC
Stonewall Rebelliion veterans shall be continuing their planning for their "SRVA's 54th Annual Conference & Stonewall Veterans Reunion" in two months on June 24th. Venue is the monumental Church Of The Village at Seventh Avenue and West 13 Street in Greenwich Village. Get2gether commences @ 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Apiril 16 (Sunday) -- SRVA's WILLSON HENDERSON INTERVIEWED in THE NEW YORK TIMES
"A Prizefighter's Double Life at Madison Square Garden, and at the original STONEWALL Gay Bar & Dance Club in New York City"! Researched/written by Corey L. Kilgannon of The New York Times {"NYX"). Emile Griffith & Willson Henderson, 1970s NYC Gay Super Couple.
On the occasion of the brand-new, Gay-oriented Metropolitan Opera of New York ("The Met") presentation "Champion!", based on the wild life of one of Willson Henderson's longtime ex-lovers, Emile A. Griffith, Jr., investigative reporter Corey Kilgannon of The New York Times ("NYX") has published an informative, interesting and revealing story about Emile and some about WLH and them as a super Gay New York City duo!
In the collage of five photos at the top of The New York Times story by Corey Kilgannon, Willson is in three of the pix (wearing a powder blue, flamboyant jump suit with white fringe hanging off the sleeves and {not shown white fringe in an inverted 'V' design across the back) created by Emile's Gay designer Charlez -- all the other males wore a suit or a
tux, one of WLH's other handsome and hot boyfriends model Michael Toney, wearing an open black shirt (the first cousin of Thelma on TV's "Good Times"), and WLH's Uncle Gerry Paige, regarded as a father figure and mentor to Willson, and the fifth photo is the cover of Emile's book "Nine... Ten... OUT!" belonging to WLH. The NYX photographed these pix at a S.R.V.A. meeting. Also included in the five pix is the 'best man' / boxing heavyweight champ Smokin' Joe Frazier standing next to WLH's mother Helen Henderson, whom Champ Emile personally invited and insisted on her and her then husband Heinz (actually born in Germany) attending to his grand (what WLH then termed "press conference") wedding!
Initially, Willson understandably refused to participate. That is why Emile got WLH's mother to agree. In many photos, particularly for all of the press and the plan to off-set Gay rumors, interestingly, Emile had the pretty bride on his one side and real-life boyfriend Willson on the other side of his publicly blatant double life event! That exacerbated the true-life Gay "rumors"! The original STONEWALL Club fag-hag (fun girls that hang out with Gay guys) and dear friend Adrienne Seiden (she is still alive), who co-introduced Emile & Willson, also attended. In fact, Willson and his friends drove up to the renowned Concord Hotel in Monticello, N.Y., in the classic and fabled, blue 1969 Cadillac DeVille convertible with the top down! Unquestionably, the NYX's Corey Kilgannon detailed a far greater and deeper analysis and report of Emile Griffith's Gay life than The Met's exclusionary and watered-down version! Https://www.NYTimes.com/2023/04/11/nyregion/emile-griffith-boxer-champion.html
March 26 (Sunday) -- SUPREME BIRTHDAY: DIVA DIANA ROSS
Nobody brought more joy and fun to the patrons of the ~original~ STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club and thousands of other Gay bars and dance clubs throughout the World than Miss Diana Ross, along with her Supremes (Mary, Florence and Cindy)! Their upbeat, motivating and fun dance songs during the Stonewall Era include: "My World Is Empty Without U, Babe", "Love Is Like an Itchin' In My Heart", "You Can't Hurry Love", "U Keep Me Hangin' On", "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone", "The Happening", "In And Out Of Love", "Some Things You Never Get Used To", "Forever Came Today", "Love Child", "I'm Living In Shame" and "No Matter What Sign You Are"! Thank U, Diana and The Supremes, for the late 1960s dance hits and all of the great memorable "Reflections"! Happiest of birthdays to U!
March 25 (Saturday) -- STONEWALL REBELLION V.A. MONTHLY MEETING
The monthly meeting of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") is held religiously on 'the last Saturday of every month'! Planning for the SRVA's fifty-fourth annual conference in late June is the main topic. Special media guest: The New York Times for their upcoming interesting super Stonewall veteran project! Besides interviews, the S.R.V.A. will be providing archival photographs! The mystery S/W vet shall be revealed when U read the story soon in the NYX! In a separate media story, legal updates will be provided in the civil court case of "Willson Henderson -versus- The Schneps / Schleps-owned Gay City News aka the Gayragpaper"! The defendants' devious maneuving has centered on desperately attempting to get the case dismissed. Aha-ha-ha! SRVA's vice-president Berti Coffman reports on communications with NYC public officials. Boardmember Ramon Bellido summarizes this month's sponsorship renewals and newbies. The divine venue is at the grand and gayly-welcoming Church Of The Village. The Church is situated appropriately in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York City. It is at the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street. This "Spring is Here" -- a Rodgers And Hart album song recorded by Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1967 during the Stonewall Era -- meeting is from 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
11 March (Saturday) -- BIG BERTI'S BIGGA BIRTHDAY BRASSERIE BASH ('6-B')
Celebrate Robert 'Berti' Coffman as a renowned Stonewall Rebellion veteran and the SRVA's longtime vice-president on his 74th birthday! He is endeared by many electeds (not The Natler) for his out-going charm on behalf of the legendary STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association with New York public officials. Special guest is Berti's Gay-life long friend Patrick Suraci. Five-course dinner and 'let them eat cake' (at a French eatery) is co-hosted hosted by the SRVA's general manager AnDre M. Christie and assistant manager Dante K. Smith. The 'bigga birthday bash' is at the famed La Brasserie Restaurant at 411 Park Avenue South between East 28th and 29th streets in Manhattan, NYC @ 5:15 p.m. Berti's birthday bonanza parties on until 8 p.m.!
25 February (Saturday) -- S.R.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING
Attend the 'last Saturday of the month' meeting of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.")! Come join the legendary, surviving and unquestionably interesting veterans of the historic Stonewall Uprising! Social: Topix include planning for the SRVA's 54th annual conference (on June 24th). The SRVA's Vice-President Bert Coffman provides communication updates with New York public officials. Legal: Willson Henderson's civil court lawsuit for libel and slander against the defamatory Schleps Media heterosexually-owned Gay City News aka G.C.N. worser known as the Gayragpaper! The SRVA's get2gether is at the landmark Church Of The Village from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
28 January 2023 (Saturday) -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MEETING
The meeting of the legendary STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") for its new year 2023 debut and the 54th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Rebellion is on the last Saturday of the month, January 28th. The SRVA's get2gether is hosted by its elected director Willson Lee Henderson. Other Stonewall veterans confirmed to attend include: Leigh Peter McManus, Nance Lomax, R. Bert Coffman, Joani C. Sobel and Ramon Bellido. Among the topix are the updates on the NYC civil court libel case of the "W.L.H. vs. The Schleps' Media Gayragpaper aka G.C.N. aka "Gay Sh*tty News". The case has successfully been restored to the court calendar since 2020 after the long lapse due to the three-year pandemic! The S.R.V.A. meeting venue is at The Church Of The Village. The Church is located at the corner of Seventh Avenue South and West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2023: 54th Anniversary of the STONEWALL Club Rebellion!
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December 28 (Wednesday) -- SHANGRI-LA BIRTHDAY: MARY WEISS, "LEADER OF THE PACK", and SONGSTRESS of the ORIGINAL STONEWALL CLUB JUKEBOX
For more on Mary Weiss -- and The Shangri-Las -- including all of their single-release records, other songs, album covers and select pictures, visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm.
24 and 25 December -- CHRISTMAS WEEKEND INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY
16 December (Friday) -- SEE DARLENE LOVE PERFORM "CHRISTMAS BABY" on "THE VIEW" on ABC-TV @ 11 a.m. EST
"Christmas, Baby Please Come Home" belted out by Darlene Love, produced by Phil Spector and written by Ellie Greenwich, was the number one holiday song year after year in the original STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club jukebox and every other Gay club! (You will not find this historic 411 in the NYC Gayragpaper aka Gay City News aka G.C.N.) Over five decades later, "Christmas Baby" has grown as a ranked number one holiday song for the mainstream. Today it is celebrated big time on "The View" with annual performance of same by Miss Love! Her powerful voice also remains the same -- if not stronger! See Darlene and the original "A Christmas Gift For U" album cover and 411 at: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm.
15 December (Thursday) -- DARLENE LOVE CHRISTMAS CONCERT& SHOW at the ST. GEORGE THEATRE in STATEN ISLAND, NYC @ 8 p.m.
See Darlene Love and the famous Phil Spector "A Christmas Gift For U" album cover at: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm
12 December (Monday) -- CONNIE FRANCIS BIRTHDAY: LEGENDARY SONGSTRESS in the ORIGINAL STONEWALL CLUB JUKEBOX
Besides being the rated number one female singer in America for seven consecutive years, Connie Francis's number one songs include the national Gay anthem: "Where The Boys Are (Someone Waits For Me)"! Connie also starred in the Gay (and mainstream) favorite movies "Where The Boys Are" and "Follow The Boys" (also with the hit title song)! Over the decades, Connie has appreciatively and admirably maintained her correspondence with the S.R.V.A. To see an album cover photo of Miss Francis and her Gay club jukebox single records discography, visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-4.htm.
December 12 , 2022 -- REMEMBRANCE: NYC 3-TERM MAYOR and SRVA's HONORARY MALE CHAIRPERSON ED KOCH
For much more on the New York City's great Mayor Koch and the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association's wonderful 'Gayor' Ed, including letters, notes and photos, please view:
Https://www.StonewallVets.org/EdKoch.htm.
12 December -- ORIGINAL STONEWALL JUKEBOX SONGSTRESS BIRTHDAY: DIONNE WARWICK
26 November (Saturday) -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL THANKSGIVING MEETING and 5-COURSE TURKEY SUPPER
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association meeting shall be at The Church Of The Village at Seventh Avenue South and West 13 Street in Greenwich Village, NYC @ 3:15 p.m. The subsequent "Stonewall Veterans Thanksgiving Supper" for S.R.V.A. boardmembers and executive committee members @ 5:15 p.m. shall have its venue announced by phone!
11 November (Thursday) -- AMERICAN VETERANS' DAY
8 November (Tuesday) -- AMERICAN ELECTION DAY - Get Rid of Sean Pat Baloney!
P.S. "Mission Accomplished!"
30 October (Sunday) -- S.R.V.A. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE DUNCHEON MEETING at MASALA RESTAUANT on East 34 STREET in MANHATTAN @ 3 pm
Saturday, October 29 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING
The monthly gathering of the surviving, willing and able veterans of the historic 1969 Stonewall Club rebellion -- as represented exclusively by the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association-- shall again be one of our popularly successful and always reuniting duncheon meetings! Of course, the venue is appropriately in gay Greenwich Village, NYC. Surprise guest: A New York statewide political candidate! The atmospheric and spacious restaurant is Morandi on Seventh Avenue South at Waverly Place and Charles Street. The "host with the most" is the SRVA's founder and elected director Willson Lee Henderson. He is handsomely assisted by the SRVA's general manager AnDre Christie and assistant manager Dante K. Smith. Seating begins @ 3 p.m. Bubbly glasses clang @ 3:15 p.m. and special birthday desserts for all wrap up bi 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 11 -- NATIONAL "COMING OUT GAY" DAY
Wednesday, October 5th -- BIRTHDAY of S.R.V.A. FOUNDER and DIRECTOR WILLSON LEE HENDERSON
A quintessential "Native New Yorker" -- born in Brooklyn (Flatbush) and lived in Manhattan (Upper West Side, Greenwich Village and Chelsea) and The Bronx (Riverdale) -- Willson Lee Henderson steadfastly and proudly remains in New York City! A *private birthday dinner* has been arranged for Willson at his longtime, favorite restaurant Tavern on the Green in Central Park! Special friends, organization officials and select electeds are invited directly. For much more on WLH, including select biography and photographs, visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/WillsonHenderson.htm.
* * OCTOBER * GAY HISTORY MONTH * *
Sunday, September 25 -- BROADWAY CARES / EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS PRESENTS THEIR OUTDOOR BROADWAY FAIR & AUCTION
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS' annual "Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction" is the ultimate event for fans of Broadway paraphanalia! It includes signed photos, compact discs, posters, autographs and costumes. The outdoor event happens at Schubert Alley 'off Broadway' (pun intended) between West 45th and 46th streets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For much more 411, visit: BroadwayCares.org.
Saturday, September 24 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING and OUTDOOR DUNCHEON -- the last of the Summer Season!
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") holds court with its last outdoor duncheon meeting of the Summer of 2022! With Election Day in six weeks, a few campaign personnel will be guest speaking. The S.R.V.A. only supports honorable candidates who support the S.R.V.A. The aforementioned criteria thus excludes the exclusionary and slanderous "Sean Pat Baloney". The hoopla is entertainingly hosted by S.A.G. member and SRVA's director Willson Henderson. "Clang! Clang! Clang!" (channeling a Judy Garland song) goes the glasses at Morandi Restaurant & Lounge @ 3:15 p.m.
Friday, September 23 -- REMEMBRANCE of BARON P. MORRIS, JR., SVA's ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER in the 1980s and the 1990s
September 11th, 2022 ("9/11") -- WORLD TRADE CENTER TERRORIST ATTACKS - 21st TRAGIC ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, August 27 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING and DUNCHEON @ 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The legendary STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") meets the last Saturday of every month come hell (AIDS War) or high water (Superstorm Sandy) or plague (Wuhan Virus) -- unless it is an American holiday or a holiday weekend! Last Saturday in August also serves as the Annual S.R.V.A. Election Meeting for the S.R.V.A. officials for the new G.L.B.T. Pride season which commences September 1st. Just like anywhere else in the civilized World, only dues-paying members and supporters are eligible to vote! SRVA's duncheon meeting happens at lively Morandi Restaurant & Lounge located on Seventh Avenue at Waverly Place in the heart of West Greenwich Village, NYC. The event is entertainingly hosted by the SRVA's founder and current director Willson Henderson with muscular assistance by SRVA's office manager AnDre Christie. Glasses clang @ 3:15 p.m. To RSVP for a place at the duncheon table, contact Big Berti at (917) 286-0616. Cheers!
Thursday, August 18 -- REMEMBERING STONEWALL VET: MICHAEL DALLAS TONEY of BROOKLYN, NYC, DIED of AIDS (1952 to 1992)
Saturday, July 30 -- MONTHLY MEETING of the STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION
This significant STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.R.V.A.") get2gether celebrates the 53rd annual anniversary of the legendary organization! The S.R.V.A. perennially and incredibly still meets the last Saturday of every month, unless it is a national American holiday! The S.R.V.A. owns the famous 1969 blue convertible also popularly known as "The Stonewall Car", impounded in front of the ~original~ STONEWALL Club by the NYCPD on the first night June 27th of the 1969 uprising! Who do you know that could keep a vehicle -- and in out-standing condition -- for over a half-century or anything near it? No one! Post-Pride, sooo many people are sooo interested in everything "Stonewall" as long as it does not involve their giving credit where credit is due to the Stonewall veterans or supporting the historic, advocacy, educational, accommodating and non-profit S.R.V.A.! Their alleged "Stonewall" interest is sooo superficial! It is akin to "Lee's Press-On Nails! Instead, many pretend the actual participants in everything "Stonewall" all magically disappeared -- or never existed! Many act as if Gay history is a fairy-tail and Gay rights grew on a tree. Like the ~original~ STONEWALL Bar & Dance Club jukebox song advises: "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, Baby". Pow-wow ignites at Morandi Restaurant at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Waverly Place in Manhattan, NYC @ 3:15 p.m. RSVP for attendance at (917) 286-0616.
Saturday, July 23 -- REMEMBRANCE: FORMER NYC COUNCILMEMBER JAMES E. "JED" DAVIS
New York City Councilmember and Brooklyn District Leader James 'Jed' Davis was shockingly assassinated incredibly within the New York City Council Chamber at City Hall! This tragedy occurred on July 23, 2003. Jed was outstanding, vital, outgoing and exciting representing District 35. He was the super proud honorary member of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association. Born in Brooklyn on September 3, 1962, Jed was only 41. For more info on Jed, please visit: Https://www.StonewallVets.org/JamesDavis.htm.
Sunday, July 15 -- SPECIAL S.R.V.A. CONGRESSIONAL DUNCHEON with a... NYC CONGRESSMEMBER @ 3:15 p.m.
Monday, July 11th -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION: 53rd ANNIVERSARY!
JUNE 27th -- THE MOST IMPORTANT DATE in GAY+ HISTORY: JUNE 27th!
June 27th, 1969is the quintessential most imporatnt date in Gay+ history! It is the real date of the first night of the five-night, historic Stonewall Rebellion in Greenwich Village, NYC! On Friday, June 27th, was the internationally sad day of the funeral of entertainment legend and Gay icon Judy Garland. It happened in Manhattan, NYC, 'home' of the Stonewall uprising that same night! June 27th, 1969.
Monday, June 27 -- S.V.A. STONEWALL VETZ APPEAR on a NATIONAL TELEVISION NETWORK!
Sunday, June 26 -- STONEWALL REBELLION VETERAN BIRTHDAY: RUFUS 'SONNY' CARSON
Saturday, June 25th, 2022 -- The STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: "SRVA's 53rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE & STONEWALL VETERANS REUNION + EYEWITNESS TESTIMONIALS"
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("G.L.B.T.") Pride was largely created by subsequent members of the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") -- not by the new century revisionists! The S.V.A. was formed, just two weeks after the uprising, on Friday, July 11th in Greenwich Village, New York City. It was the first G.L.B.T. group to be formed after the rebellion. The Stonewall survivors continue the S.V.A. organization 53 years later through today! Incredible! Confirmed Stonewall vets include, but are not limited to, Willson Henderson, Ramon Bellido, Bert Coffman, Leigh McManus and Nance Lomax. For the anniversary "S.V.A. Conference, Reunion & Duncheon" today, we have a special surprise keynoter! U.S. congressmembers, NY state senators, assemblymembers, et al. are confirmed! For the first time, ALL participants must R.S.V.P. via email at SVA@StonewallVets.org or telephone at (917) 286-0616 in order to have a reserved seat at the table(s). The unique event has seating begin @ 3 p.m. with the happening from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please wear your 'Sunday best'!
Saturday, June 18 -- ORIGINAL STONEWALL CLUB JUKEBOX SINGER'S BIRTHDAY: PAUL McCARTNEY @ 80
Friday, June 10, 2022 -- JUDY GARLAND CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL BIRTHDAY
Miss Judy Garland, starting in 1939 with her Academy Award-winning "The Wizzard of Oz", became an international entertainer, actress and singer -- and the quintessential Gay icon! For Judy's songs in the ~original~ Stonewall Club jukebox, immediately after her demise on June 22 of 1969, see:
https://www.STONEWALLvets.org/songsofStonewall-5.htm
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For the episode about Judy Garland + The STONEWALL Club + the Stonewall
Rebellion, the "In The Life" show was nominated for their -only- Emmy
Award thanks to 'Saint Judy' and having two actual veterans of the 1969 G.L.B.T.
Stonewall Uprising from the STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association!
https://www.Cinema.UCLA.edu/collections/inthelife/episodes/805
(For greater impact, click on your 'View' to enlarge the show screen.)
Saturday, June 4 -- STONEWALL VET and ORIGINAL MAGIC TOUCH CLUB (LI)_BIRTHDAY: MICHAEL I. SWERDLOW (of Long Island + FL)
June 2022 -- * GAY * PRIDE * MONTH *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Saturday, May 28 -- S.R.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING & DUNCHEON on MEMORIAL WEEKEND
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association ("S.V.A.") is holding its monthly meeting this Memorial Weekend today! A member of the NYC's Mayoral Administration is the special guest. Happening is hosted by the SVA's defatigueable director Willson Lee Henderson. Reports on public official communications provided by the SVA's outgoing Vice-President Bert Coffman. Highlights of the SVA's recent NYC Streetfair are given by S.V.A. bombastic boardmember Ramon Bellido. The five-course duncheon shall be at Morandi Restaurant in Greenwich Village (of course) from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 14 -- SRVA's 19th ANNUAL NEW YORK CITY STREETFAIR
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans Association's 19th annual streetfair happens on the sunny 14th of May in Manhattan. Unique unto all NYC streetfairs, the non-profit S.V.A. has on display the famous 1969 blue classic convertible "Stonewall Car". Location of the all-day streetfair is on Broadway -- where else for the legendary Stonewall vets -- south of Union Square from East 14th Street to East 9th Street. Accessible subways at the corner include the #4, #5, #6, L, N, R and Q at their 14th Street stations. The SVA's streetfair is exclusively produced by Mardi Gras Productions!
Saturday, May 7 -- CONCERT: FRANKIE VALLI & HIS JERSEY BOYS
The super legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ("FVFS") -- they even have a Tony-awward winning Broadway musical in their honor -- are performng at the grand Radio City Music Hall in the heart of Manhattan. FVFS were one of the prime and consistent artists in the original STONEWALL Club jukebox! Their dance music brought so much joy and fun to the Gay boys and girls and their friends, including the Mafia men owners! As a fellow Italian, Frankie V., like Frank S., was a great favorite. The S.R.V.A. has had our FVFS tickets longtime. Showtime is @ 8 p.m. with a monumental overture of over twenty FVFS hit songs!
Tuesday, May 3 -- ORIGINAL STONEWALL JUKEBOX SONGSTER BIRTHDAY: FRANKIE VALLI
For more 411, their records discography and photos of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, visit: https://www.StonewallVets.org/songsofStonewall-4.htm.
Saturday, April 30 -- MONTHLY MEETING of the STONEWALL REBELLION VETERANS' ASSOCIATION
The STONEWALL Rebellion Veterans' Association is again, by majority vote of its active member Stonewall veterans, holding its monthly get2gether as a duncheon meeting! That way, we can do three things simultaneously. As usual, expect a surprise public official guest speaker! (She has been confirmed!) Event is happily hosted by the SVA's director Willson Henderson. This month's duncheon is co-hosted by the SVA's assistant manager Dante K. Smith. The SVA's vice-president