Madonna surprised patrons at New York City’s Stonewall Inn on New Year’s Eve to not only kick off 2019, but to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a series of violent standoffs by the LGBTQ community against police raids that spearheaded the Pride marches.

“Fifty years of sacrifice, 50 years of standing up to discrimination, hatred, and worst of all, indifference. And it all started here, at Stonewall,” she said to the crowd of over a hundred people. “Let us never forget the Stonewall riots and those who bravely stood up and said ‘Enough!’ Enough brutatlity. Enough violence inflicted on this community. Enough stigmatism. Enough oppression. Enough pain and suffering.” 

She continued, “For years, violent and humiliating police raids were common occurrences at gay sanctuaries across the country. Discrimination and unjust treatment was beyond comprehension. No gathering place for the LGBTQ community was truly safe, and our brothers and sisters weren’t free to celebrate like we are tonight. And we must never forget that. A half a century later, Stonewall has become a defining moment and a critical turning point in history — catapulting LGBTQ rights into public conversation and consciousness, and awakening activism,” adding a “Fuck yeah!” to the roaring crowd.

Watch the video below, where Madonna encourages the crowd to “disarm people with kindness.”

We love, Madge!