Former U.S. president Barack Obama sent a message of support to the LGBTQ community and its allies on Friday, June 26 during a broadcast streamed for the third annual Stonewall Day, a commemorative day by Pride Live that has taken place since 2018 to recognize the lasting impact of the Stonewall riots, which began June 28, 1969. The riots are considered by many to be one of the most important events that lead to the modern fight for LGBTQ rights in the U.S.

Obama recognized the 51st anniversary of the night police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York, with police hauling both employees and patrons outside of the bar. The raid led to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside of the bar. Obama said when patrons stood up for their rights, it "set off one of America's defining victories for civil rights."

The 44th president of the U.S. told those watching that he hopes people understand that progress doesn't happen on its own, it happens "because we stand up, speak out and demand change."

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