President Joe Biden chuckled and made the sign of the cross as rock legend Elton John passionately denounced “misinformation” and the scapegoating of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Continuing his packed schedule post-debate, the President spoke at the grand opening ceremony of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City, the historic site of the Stonewall Uprising.
Introducing Elton John as a “dear friend” and honored guest at the White House, Biden remarked,
As you can tell, I want to say a hell of a lot more, but I’m not going to — (laughter) — because I want to hear a guy you — you know, there’s a guy that you’ve probably heard about. He’s a dear friend. A guy’s, like so many Americans, whose family loves this iconic music — my family loves it. And, of course, his incredible music career. He also empowered countless people to be themselves, to be treated with dignity and respect they deserve, including those in the fight against HIV/A- — H- — HIV/AIDS, a fight he led with sheer willpower.
Two years ago, Jill and I had the honor to host him in the White House and bestow on him the National Humanitarian Med- — Humanities Medal, one of America’s highest awards.
So, today, we’re honored to be with him again here at Stonewall.
Please welcome Elton John.
John delivered a brief speech that elicited laughs from Biden and cheers from the crowd:
ELTON JOHN: And as President Biden has reminded us today, too, we face one of those seminal moments.
Do we stand up for our vision and our values? Or let misinformation and senseless scapegoating turn back the clock?
No fucking way! (APPLAUSE) No!
(Biden Crosses Self).
In this moment, two humans take pride and fight on. So let us honor LGBTQ+ people everywhere who have done it for justice and commit as I do, as long as I’m still standing, to continue to stand with you as we together create a better, fairer and more just world for us all.
Thank you! Have a great and happy pride!
