A Safer Night Out: The Stonewall Inn Becomes First Permanent ‘SafeNow Zone’ In The U.S.
Security just got smarter at one of New York’s most iconic queer spaces, thanks to a tech-driven safety initiative.
The Stonewall Inn in New York City has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the personal safety app SafeNow, becoming the first permanent “SafeNow Zone” in the United States. The new system allows anyone inside the bar to quickly alert on-site security, offering a discreet way to call for help when it’s needed most.
With just a single tap in the SafeNow app, guests and staff at Stonewall can now instantly alert on-site security to request help for themselves or someone nearby. No shouting over music. No searching for a bouncer. The response is fast, private, and geolocated, typically arriving in under 30 seconds.
“The Stonewall Inn has always stood as a symbol of safety for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Kurt Kelly, co-owner of the venue. “With the support of Jägermeister, we’re proud to take that commitment even further by debuting the SafeNow app at the bar. Our community deserves peace of mind, and this technology helps us better protect our space and each other.”
“I’m proud that The Stonewall Inn will be the first venue in the U.S. to activate the SafeNow app,” LGBTQ+ activist and co-owner Stacy Lentz added to GO.
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The technology behind SafeNow was born out of a personal tragedy. The company’s CEO, Tilman Rumland, has previously spoken about his ex-girlfriend being sexually assaulted in the bathroom of a nightclub. Security staff were present at the venue, but couldn’t reach her in time. That moment of helplessness became the catalyst for a better system. SafeNow launched in Germany and is now used by major clubs and festivals across Europe.
Unlike other apps that might gate features behind paywalls or clutter the experience with ads, SafeNow is free—and staying that way. It doesn’t sell data or offer premium tiers.
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The system works by using Bluetooth beacons, which send signals to your smartphone and allow staff to pinpoint exactly where a distress signal is coming from. This is especially crucial in packed, high-energy environments where visibility and communication are often compromised.
With over a million downloads to date, the app is proving it has a real role to play—not just in nightlife but in public safety more broadly.
Thanks to Stonewall Inn’s continued commitment to queer safety and resilience, that mission has found the perfect home in the U.S.
If you’re planning a night out at Stonewall, consider downloading the app before you go. Because when everyone feels safer, the party gets better—it’s simple math.
