The Stonewall National Monument, located in New York City, has become a focal point of controversy after the Trump administration's decision to remove references to transgender people from its official website. The National Park Service has altered the acronym LGBTQ+ to LGB, which now solely represents lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, erasing the representation crucial to transgender history and identity.
This change comes as a result of an executive order signed by President Trump shortly after taking office, which insisted on delineating only two genders: male and female. Activists and advocates have expressed their indignation over the move, emphasizing the integral role of transgender individuals in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Stacy Lentz, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn and CEO of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, took to Instagram to rally support, stating, "There is no Pride without Trans folks leading that fight! Trying to erase them from the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement will not happen!" Within days of the changes, a protest erupted at the site, where attendees wielded signs declaring, "You can't spell history without a T," highlighting the necessity of acknowledging transgender contributions.
The National Park Service justified its actions, claiming they were in compliance with the aforementioned executive order aimed at "restoring biological truth." However, critics argue that such measures not only distort historical narratives but also inflict lasting harm on transgender individuals and their struggles.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the alterations, calling them "cruel and petty." While some references to transgender people remain on the website, many have been removed, including a significant description of the state of LGBTQ+ rights prior to the 1960s. The Stonewall Inn, site of the 1969 police raid that ignited riots and catalyzed the LGBTQ+ movement, was designated a national monument by former President Obama in 2016, covering 7.7 acres of land, including the nearby Christopher Park.
The Stonewall Inn and its initiative have publicly expressed their outrage, stating that this act of erasure not only misrepresents history but also dishonors the significant contributions of transgender individuals towards the pursuit of equality. As protests continue, activists remain determined to sustain the visibility and voices of transgender communities in the ongoing fight for justice and recognition.
