PHOTOSLady Gaga Surprises Fans At The Abbey In West Hollywood To Celebrate 'Born This Way' Day & The Iconic Bar's 30th Anniversary — Photos
Oh My Gaga!
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of her album Born This Way, the pop star received a key to the city and surprise proclamation of “Born This Way Day” to be held annually on May 23.
"Through her music and activism, Lady Gaga has become a cultural icon for our generation," said City of West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath. “The anthem Born This Way has become an out-and-proud declarative stance for countless LGBTQ people. The Born This Way Foundation fosters honest conversations about mental health with young people and seeks to eradicate the stigma around mental health struggles."
In addition to the moment, The Abbey Food & Bar celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special Drag Brunch including Gaga drag performers and also received a surprise proclamation from the city of West Hollywood declaring May 23 additionally “The Abbey Day” in honor of the iconic LGBTQ bar.
The A Star Is Born actress relished in the moment alongside The Abbey’s owner, David Cooley, recognizing The Abbey’s milestone in her acceptance speech. Immediately after, Gaga did what Gaga does best by playing her music from The Abbey’s DJ booth, and sharing love and selfies with fans.
Other famous faces in attendance included Lance Bass, Kevin Huvane, Calvin Klein and more.
The joyful event also kicked off the City of West Hollywood's vibrant 40-day-long One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival which celebrates the artistic contributions of the LGBTQ community, following Harvey Milk Day, Saturday, May 22.
"David Cooley and The Abbey have made an indelible impact on West Hollywood," said Horvath. "The Abbey is as much a community hub as it is a global destination. It generously gives back by supporting dozens of LGBTQ and nonprofit groups, including regularly hosting events to support local organizations. We are so lucky to have The Abbey in our community and I’m thrilled to celebrate its 30 years of success!"
Scroll though the gallery below to see more photos of Gaga's appearance at The Abbey.
Gaga stopped traffic as she posed outside of the iconic bar and restaurant on a mural that read "Born This Way."
"Mother Monster," as she is known to fans, arrived wearing a black tee paired with ripped fishnet tights.
Gaga also rocked an eye-popping pair of purple flatforms knee-high vinyl boots.
Born This Way, the second studio album by Gaga, was released by Interscope Records on May 23, 2011. In addition to its LGBTQ+ anthem "Born This Way," the album features the singles "Judas," "The Edge of Glory," "Marry The Night" and "You and I."
Joined by The Abbey's owner David Cooley, Gaga was all smiles as she accepted a key to the city of West Hollywood.
The afternoon featured a number of drag performances by Gaga impersonators.
Former N*SYNC member Lance Bass and his husband, Michael Turchin, were on hand for the festivities.
The city of West Hollywood declared May 23 “The Abbey Day” in honor of the iconic LGBTQ bar.
Designer Calvin Klein was spotted enjoying the drag show during the celebration.
The Abbey Food & Bar, one of the most famous gay bars in the world, originally opened in 1991.
To embody the spirit of the Born This Way message, a temporary "Born This Way" street-lane installation has been unveiled on N. Robertson Boulevard, just south of Santa Monica Boulevard. The letters spell-out Born This Way and the design incorporates a pattern of colorful symbols representing LGBTQ Pride and the array of diverse LGBTQ communities. The installation is anticipated to remain on display through the end of June in recognition of Pride month.
