While Mr. Garvin and Mr. Boyce admit that they have established a degree of celebrity within the gay community, they both have a sense of humor about what has manifested from Stonewall, at least that not pertaining to civil rights.
“It could be like Carnival in Rio, but with all gay talent. You think with all those gays they could put on a show, unless people do find it a show–I don’t.”
Despite the perceived lack of creativity, Mr. Boyce planned to attend the parade today with Mr. Jarvin for a couple hours but they have no intentions to exert too much energy jockeying for position against the crowds that will be gathered at the Christopher Street bar where it all started.
Stonewall has become somewhat a caricature of itself. Ownership of the bar has changed over the years, a portion of the original establishment is now a nail salon and you can now purchase your very own Stonewall Riot t-shirt for just $20. Hokey, yet still paying homage.
“I really only go to Stonewall for interviews,” Mr. Boyce said. “It’s like when people go to Paris looking for the Paris they read about in the ’30s. It’s not there—It’s so considered now.”
Underneath the shade of the century-old trees of Central Park, Mr. Boyce rolled a cigarette and talks about the times that were. Even though Stonewall is nothing like Paris—and never was—it was there he and Mr. Garvin made history and there that the LBGT movement was ignited. He was giddy and stewing with excitement, recalling the scene at Stonewall.
“Where is Stonewall?” Mr. Boyce turned towards the middle-aged man whose Southern draw interrupted his memory.
“Simple. You just take the Seventh Avenue train downtown to Christopher Street. It’s right there,” Mr. Boyce warmly advised, pointing west of the park.
“I’m just visiting, but I’d love to see it,” the man said. He then nodded and left, not knowing that a real piece of Stonewall was right in front of him.
jrucker@observer.com
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