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From Kansas Cornfields to Stonewall Inn Steward
6 Jun
Summary
- Stonewall Inn co-owner took on credit card debt to preserve history.
- The Inn now houses historic artifacts and a community center.
- A nonprofit supports LGBTQ+ individuals in difficult regions.
Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the iconic Stonewall Inn, details her path from a humble upbringing in Kansas to becoming a steward of LGBTQ+ history. In 2006, upon learning the Inn was slated for closure, Lentz and partners acquired the establishment, a move that necessitated personal credit card debt but was driven by a desire to preserve a crucial community space.
Though Lentz has not personally profited significantly from the Inn due to substantial operating costs, she views her role as preserving its legacy. The Stonewall Inn now features historical artifacts and a community center. This commitment extends to the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 2017.
The initiative offers safe-space training and provides support to LGBTQ+ individuals in regions where being queer is particularly challenging, such as Mississippi, Uganda, or Lentz's native Kansas. This work is crucial for ensuring that the Inn's legacy is not merely historical but actively contributes to the future well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.
