All they wanted was a drink, a dance, and some camaraderie. What they got was a history-making week that changed LGBTQ perception around the world. The Stonewall riots were 57 years ago and their impact is still being celebrated.

On Sunday, June 28, the Stonewall Museum in Fort Lauderdale recreated the riots. There was drinking, dancing, and camaraderie. This has become an annual tradition at the museum supported by citizens and law enforcement.

But this year was special because two of the grand marshals from last week’s rained-out Stonewall Pride parade were invited to throw the first bricks.

“It definitely helped me connect with the past because I wasn’t around in the sixties to be there,” Dr. Kal Gajraj of CAN Community Health said. “Being able to be here now in 2026 and reflect on the people who first threw the bricks is quite a huge honor.”

Co-Grand Marshal Rickelle Williams, City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, also helped get the riot started. “Today is a very special moment. It’s an opportunity for all of us, as a community, to come together as one, in love and support, and to empower each other and to embrace each other, and that’s what Fort Lauderdale is all about.”

About a dozen reenactors were “raided” by police and kicked out. “Rioters” then rebelled, throwing commemorative foam bricks and chasing the cops back inside. Eventually they came out in unity carrying a very large progressive Pride flag.

The flag was then signed by anyone who wanted to leave a message of support in the hopes that the days of needing true rioting are gone but, clearly, not forgotten.

Screenshot via Greater Wilton Manors, YouTube.