NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration has agreed to keep flying the rainbow Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, reversing their previous decision to remove it. This decision follows a lawsuit from LGBTQ+ and historic preservation groups aiming to stop the removal.
On Monday, the Interior Department and National Park Service revealed their intention to maintain the presence of the Pride flag, with the only exceptions being maintenance reasons. According to the agreement, within a week, three flags will be hung on the Stonewall monument flagpole, including the Pride flag between the U.S. flag and Park Service flag.
The Pride flag had become a crucial symbol in ongoing discussions around President Donald Trump’s approach to LGBTQ+ recognition within national monuments and historical properties.
After years of advocacy, the flag symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride was formally installed at the monument in 2022 under President Joe Biden and marked a victory for activists aiming to fly the banner daily.
The decision to remove the flag in February was seen as a compliance with federal guidelines regarding flag displays, which restrict the display of certain flags on National Park Service properties. However, advocates view the reinstatement as a significant step in preserving and recognizing LGBTQ+ history at a site pivotal to the modern rights movement.
The Stonewall National Monument was established in 2016 by President Barack Obama to honor the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, stemming from the Stonewall Inn, where the 1969 police raid ignited widespread activism for equality.
In an era of heightened scrutiny of diversity and inclusion initiatives, President Trump has engaged in efforts to prioritize narratives that align closely with conservative values, attempting to reshape historical narratives as seen in past alterations of National Park Service materials.
This latest decision nods towards a future that acknowledges and celebrates the diverse histories of all Americans with newfound visibility for LGBTQ+ rights.
