3:27 pm - February 26, 2025
The National Park Service (NPS) has made a controversial decision to remove references to transgender and queer individuals from its webpage dedicated to the Stonewall National Monument. This monument, located in New York City, commemorates the site where the LGBTQ+ rights movement began, following the historic 1969 Stonewall riots. The removal of these references, including shortening the term “LGBTQ+” to “LGB,” has sparked outrage and concern among activists and the LGBTQ+ community.
The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 1969, a police raid on the inn ignited fierce resistance from its patrons, leading to days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. This event became a catalyst for the movement, symbolizing the struggle for equality and visibility for marginalized communities. The involvement of transgender activists, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, was pivotal in these protests, yet their contributions have often been overlooked in historical narratives.
The NPS’s action aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to erase references to transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals across federal agencies. Since President Trump’s directive to recognize only two genders, male and female, agencies like the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control have altered their language, removed inclusive terminology, and deleted relevant content. This systemic erasure has drawn sharp criticism from advocates who view it as an attack on the very existence of transgender people.
Community leaders and activists have expressed strong reactions to these changes. Erik Bottcher, a New York City council member whose district includes the Stonewall Inn, accused President Trump of attempting to divide the LGBTQ+ community by targeting transgender individuals. He emphasized the unity and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community, asserting that lesbians and gays will not abandon their transgender siblings. This sentiment reflects the broader dissent against the administration’s actions.
The Stonewall riots marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with transgender women of color playing a crucial role. Their contributions, though often marginalized, laid the foundation for future progress, including the first gay pride parade in 1970. Activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera remain iconic figures, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the movement. Yet, the current administration’s policies threaten to undo this progress, targeting healthcare access, sports participation, and military service for transgender individuals.
In response to the NPS’s decision, community members have begun gathering outside the Stonewall Inn, with plans for further protests. Activists view these actions as part of a larger, dangerous trend, urging collective resistance against the erosion of transgender rights. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of standing together against discrimination.