Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten Presented with Historic Stonewall Brick by the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), with Stonewall Inn co-owners, Joe Locke, Billy Porter, Vengaboys and more at WorldPride in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Friday, August 7, 2026 – The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official nonprofit of the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City, today announced its presentation of a historic Stonewall brick to Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten during a special WorldPride gathering at the Catshuis, the Prime Minister’s official residence.

The historic brick was presented by Kurt Kelly and Stacy Lentz, co-owners of the Stonewall Inn, and co-founders of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. They were joined by a group of leaders from across continents and sectors, including previous Stonewall brick and SIGBI awards recipients Krishna Omkar and Jon Tilli; Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winner Billy Porter, who also headlined the World Pride Amsterdam 2026 Unity concert; former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar; Emmy winner Joe Locke; Robin Pors of the iconic Dutch group Vengaboys; Mpho Tutu van Furth; recording artist Kai Mata; film-maker Gon Matsunaka; creator of the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress Arnout van Krimpen; and leaders from the Rijksmuseum and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.

Joined by LGBTQIA+ leaders, the gathering celebrated Stonewall’s enduring legacy and the continued importance of visible leadership in advancing equality worldwide. SIGBI presented Prime Minister Jetten with the brick, taken from the original façade of the Stonewall Inn, in recognition of his leadership, visibility and unwavering commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality. Prime Minister Jetten announced that the brick would be displayed at cultural institutions, including COC Nederland during its anniversary celebration, ensuring that its history continues to educate and inspire future generations. COC Nederland is the oldest operating LGBTQIA+ organization in the world, and the Netherlands' leading LGBTQIA+ interest organization.

During the restoration of the iconic Stonewall Inn in 2018, a limited number of bricks were removed from the façade. These bricks were made in the 1930s in New York, carrying on a proud tradition of brickmaking that dates back to Dutch expertise and craft, linking the Netherlands to New Amsterdam. These bricks have witnessed the birth of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement during the June 1969 Stonewall uprising, the very first Pride march in 1970, and historic moments in the march for human rights. They have become powerful symbols of courage, resilience, and hope. Through carefully selected presentations, the SIGBI entrusts these historic artifacts to individuals and institutions whose leadership reflects the values that emerged from Stonewall and whose stewardship ensures that its legacy continues to reach new audiences.

“Stonewall was never just about a place—it was about people finding the courage to be seen,” said Stacy Lentz, CEO of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. “Prime Minister Jetten represents the power of visible leadership. At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights continue to face challenges around the world, leaders who live authentically and govern inclusively inspire countless others to do the same. We are honored to place this piece of history into his care, knowing it will continue its journey through COC Nederland and other Dutch cultural institutions.”

Kurt Kelly, Co-owner of The Stonewall Inn and Co-founder of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, added, “Presenting the Stonewall Brick is a reminder that the fight for equality transcends borders. We’re proud to honor the Netherlands’ longstanding leadership alongside the global LGBTQIA+ community as we continue building a future where everyone belongs.” The presentation continues a growing tradition of connecting Stonewall’s history with contemporary leaders and institutions advancing equality.

Earlier this summer, SIGBI presented a Stonewall brick to Krishna Omkar, who also received the 2025 Stonewall Safe Spaces Award. These presentations were in recognition of his longstanding leadership in advancing human rights and LGBTQIA+ inclusion through business and global advocacy. The brick will be displayed in Queer Britain, the UK’s national LGBTQIA+ museum, where it will become part of the museum’s ongoing work preserving and sharing LGBTQIA+ history. “Being entrusted with a Stonewall brick earlier this summer was a profound honour for me”, said Krishna. “Presenting another to Prime Minister Jetten recognises that the shared promise of dignity and equality for all is built together, brick by brick, across borders and generations.”

Jon Tilli, Chair of dbPride, received the 2024 SIGBI Safe Spaces Award in recognition of his leadership creating more inclusive workplaces around the world. Under his steer, Deutsche Bank has long supported SIGBI, and also became the steward of the first Stonewall brick presented through SIGBI. Jon noted: "We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is treated fairly, respected and empowered to thrive. We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our business, our culture and the communities we serve.”

Previously, one brick was entrusted to the American LGBTQ+ Museum and resides in its collection in the New York Historical Society.

As the global community gathers in Amsterdam for WorldPride, today’s presentation reflects a simple but enduring truth: Stonewall is not only history to be remembered – it is a legacy to be carried forward.

With each new steward, its story reaches new audiences, inspiring future generations to build a world where every person can live openly, safely and with dignity.

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Courtesy SIGBI:

About the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative: The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) is a nonprofit organization inspired by the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Through education, advocacy, community partnerships and global engagement, SIGBI works to preserve the history of Stonewall while advancing equality and human rights for LGBTQIA+ people around the world.