Lady Gaga Makes First Appearance Since Hip Surgery at N.Y.C. Gay Pride Rally

Lady Gaga is back – and her timing couldn't be better.

Just two days after the Supreme Court's historic DOMA ruling, the pop star made her first public appearance since a severe hip injury forced her to cancel her Born This Way Ball tour in February, and delivered a heartfelt speech honoring her loyal LGBT "fans and friends," at the New York City Gay Pride Parade's Kickoff Rally Friday night. 

"It's my LGTB friends and fans who always said to me, I knew Lady Gaga when," said the star, who looked subdued (for her) in a plunging black sleeveless dress, a strip of black fabric at times covering her eyes.

"Well, look who the star is now," she said as the crowd erupted in cheers. "Now I get to say that I knew you when." 

Gaga then delivered a powerful version of "The Star Spangled Banner" while hoisting a rainbow-striped gay pride flag in the air.