The removal of transgender references from the Stonewall National Monument's website has caused significant backlash among activists, who assert that this erasure undermines the historical contributions of transgender individuals in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The changes came following an executive order by President Trump, which restricted federal recognition to only two sexes, male and female, effectively shortening the acronym used to represent the community from LGBTQ+ to LGB—standing for lesbian, gay, and bisexual.
Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the iconic Stonewall Inn, expressed her indignation through social media prior to a protest held at the monument, declaring, "There is no Pride without Trans folks leading that fight!" This statement encapsulates the frustration of many who feel that the actions taken by the National Park Service are an affront to the history of the Stonewall riots, which marked a turning point for gay rights in the United States.
The National Park Service stated that the changes were necessary to comply with the executive order focused on "restoring biological truth to the federal government.” However, this move has incited significant ire among community members, with demonstrations showcasing signs that read “you can't spell history without a T,” underscoring the pivotal role that transgender individuals played in the LGBTQ+ movement.
Once lauded as an emblem of inclusivity and recognition of diverse identities, the National Monument was established as a national landmark by former President Barack Obama in 2016. The recent omissions from its web content have led to public outcries, including condemnation from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who labelled the changes as "cruel and petty."
While some references to transgender individuals remain intact on the website’s founding documents, the updated narrative highlights tensions surrounding gender identity and representation in the ongoing fight for equality. For many, the Stonewall National Monument is not merely a historical site but a beacon of hope and struggle that must honor the contributions of all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
