Outrage Over the National Park Service’s Changes

On February 14, community members gathered in protest at Christopher Park after the National Park Service (NPS) made a controversial decision to remove references to transgender individuals from the Stonewall National Monument’s website. This move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to exclude transgender people from public recognition and historical records.

What Changed on the Website?

Before the revision, the NPS website described the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. However, on the morning of February 14, visitors to the website noticed that references to transgender individuals had been removed, with the site now only mentioning lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) rights. This change effectively erased the contributions of transgender activists who played a crucial role in the uprising.

Additionally, the removal of the "TQ+" from LGBTQ+ seemed to align with the Trump administration’s policies, including an executive order that limits gender recognition to male and female as assigned at birth.

Why This Matters

The Stonewall Uprising was a defining moment in LGBTQ+ history, led by a diverse group that included many transgender individuals. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, both trans women of color, were at the forefront of the protests against police harassment at the Stonewall Inn. Their activism helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

By removing transgender references from the monument’s description, the federal government is not only altering historical facts but also undermining the contributions of an entire community. Many advocates view this as a dangerous step toward erasing transgender identities from public recognition.

How Officials and Activists Are Responding

The website update quickly sparked backlash from activists, politicians, and community leaders. A protest was organized at Christopher Park, adjacent to the Stonewall Inn, where speakers voiced their outrage and reaffirmed their support for transgender rights.

Community Voices

Berne Wagenblast, a well-known transgender advocate and one of the voices behind New York City’s subway announcements, addressed the crowd with resilience. “I’m not going to allow any government, any organization, any person to take away the joy that I feel as a trans person,” she declared, drawing cheers from the audience.

Steven Love Menendez, the caretaker of the Rainbow Flags at Stonewall, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history.

Political Leaders Speak Out

Many elected officials condemned the change, calling it a deliberate act of discrimination.

• State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents the district that includes Stonewall, described the decision as “one of the darkest moments in American history.” He pledged to fight even harder to protect transgender rights in New York.
• City Councilmember Erik Bottcher criticized the move on social media, stating, “Trump is trying to erase the very existence of transgender people. He’s not going to succeed. Lesbians and gays are not going to abandon our transgender siblings.”
• Governor Kathy Hochul called the decision “cruel and petty” and reaffirmed that New York would continue to honor transgender contributions to LGBTQ+ history.
• Senator Chuck Schumer labeled the erasure of transgender individuals from the monument’s description as “pathetic and historically inaccurate.”

Voices from the Stonewall Inn

Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn, expressed her disappointment, noting that while the decision was not surprising given the current administration, it was still deeply painful for the community. “To have them come into our house—it’s alarming. This should be alarming to everyone, not just the LGBTQ community,” she said.

Angelica Christina, a transgender board member of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, condemned the move as an attempt to erase LGBTQ+ history altogether. “What we’re witnessing right now is an attempted gendercide of trans folks,” she stated.

Historical Erasure: A Pattern of Discrimination

Many activists view this as part of a broader effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights. Over the past few years, there have been several policies restricting transgender rights, including:

• Banning transgender people from serving in the military.
• Rolling back protections for transgender students in schools.
• Efforts to limit gender-affirming healthcare.

These actions have created a hostile environment for transgender individuals, making it even more critical to preserve and protect historical recognition.

What Can People Do?

Advocates encourage the public to take action in several ways:

• Contact the National Park Service: Many community leaders are urging people to visit the NPS website and submit feedback demanding that transgender history be restored to the Stonewall National Monument’s description.
• Support Trans-Led Organizations: Groups such as the Sylvia Rivera Law Project and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund work to protect trans rights and provide resources to those affected by discrimination.
• Vote: Many activists emphasize the importance of voting in local, state, and national elections to support candidates who prioritize LGBTQ+ rights.
• Educate Others: Sharing accurate LGBTQ+ history and discussing these issues with friends and family can help counter misinformation.

Stonewall’s Legacy: A Reminder to Keep Fighting

The Stonewall Uprising was never just about one group within the LGBTQ+ community—it was a collective fight for dignity, respect, and equality. The spirit of resistance that defined that moment continues today.

Mark Segal, a Stonewall veteran and LGBTQ+ activist, reminded the community that the fight is far from over. “The spirit of Stonewall means to be visible and fight back against oppression,” he said. “You cannot erase trans people by erasing a letter.”

For many, this moment serves as a wake-up call. Pride celebrations began as protests, and they remain an opportunity to demand justice. The recent events at Christopher Park remind everyone that the fight for equality must continue.

Looking Forward

While the removal of transgender references from the Stonewall National Monument’s website is disheartening, it has also sparked a powerful response. From activists to politicians to everyday citizens, many are making it clear that history will not be rewritten without a fight.

As the LGBTQ+ community and its allies rally together, one message is clear: Transgender people belong in history, in society, and in the fight for justice. No attempt to erase them will succeed.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stand in solidarity with those fighting for their rights. The Stonewall legacy is alive, and the movement continues.