The removal of transgender references from the Stonewall National Monument website has ignited outrage from activists and community leaders, underscoring the impact of political decisions on the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Transgender Erasure Sparks Outrage at Stonewall National Monument
Transgender Erasure Sparks Outrage at Stonewall National Monument
Trump administration alters LGBTQ+ references on national park website, igniting protests
In a controversial move, the Trump administration has revised the Stonewall National Monument website by removing mentions of transgender individuals, further simplifying the acronym LGBTQ+ to LGB, which stands for lesbian, gay, and bisexual. This change follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, which classified gender strictly into two categories—male and female—on his first day in office.
Activists have reacted strongly, organizing a protest at the historic site in New York City, recognized as a key location for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. "There is no Pride without Trans folks leading that fight!" posted Stacy Lentz, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn, highlighting the crucial role transgender individuals have played in the movement. Lentz reassured supporters that efforts to erase transgender history from such a significant landmark will face strong resistance.
The National Park Service's public affairs team defended the changes, stating they were made to adhere to the aforementioned executive order intended to "restore biological truth" within federal government policy. While some references to transgender individuals remain, including the founding document of the monument, the prominent adjustments have sparked internal and external criticism.
The site commemorates the 1969 police raid at the Stonewall Inn, which catalyzed a broader fight for gay rights. Designated as a national monument by former President Barack Obama in 2016, the site spans 7.7 acres and includes the adjoining Christopher Park.
In reaction to the changes, the Stonewall Inn and its advocacy initiative expressed their outrage, characterizing the decision as a "blatant act of erasure" that damages the collective memory of the LGBTQ+ community and undermines transgender individuals' invaluable contributions to history.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul labeled the website revisions as "cruel and petty," further adding to the growing chorus of dissent from local leaders and activists. Altogether, the ongoing protests at the Stonewall monument reflect a passionate commitment to preserving and honoring the complete history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
