They can take down the flag, but they can't take down the history of Stonewall

"When I moved to New York City 33 years ago to become an actor, I signed up for classes at HB Studio in the West Village. It was January 1993, cold and windy, the kind of cold that makes the city feel harder than it already is, especially when you're new, alone, and unsure of yourself. I hate winter to begin with, so traipsing around New York City streets in frigid weather was no treat."

"HB Studio was only a few blocks from Christopher Street, one of the most storied LGBTQ+ thoroughfares in America. After my first day of class, I braved the cold that I bitterly hate, and I walked toward it, equal parts terrified and mesmerized. I didn't want anyone to see me and "out" me, particularly any fellow actors - remember, at this time, if you were gay, you would not become a huge star, and naively, I wanted to be a star rather than an actor."

An aspiring actor moved to New York City in January 1993 and enrolled at HB Studio in the West Village. Winter weather felt harsh and isolating, and walking the streets was unpleasant. HB Studio stood a few blocks from Christopher Street, a storied LGBTQ+ thoroughfare, and the Stonewall Inn appeared under renovation when first seen. Fear of being outed deterred public openness, and career ambitions influenced secrecy. The Stonewall had deep significance beyond the 1969 uprising and had served as a gathering place during the AIDS crisis. The building looked like an unremarkable neighborhood dive and lacked visible Pride symbols in early 1993.

Read at Advocate.com