A Pride flag was discreetly removed from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City on February 9, following a directive from the Trump administration. This action is seen as part of the federal government’s continued targeting of LGBTQ+ communities. The Stonewall National Monument, which includes the historic Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park, was designated in 2016 by President Obama to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a pivotal moment in the gay rights movement.
The National Park Service (NPS), responsible for managing the monument, confirmed to Gay City News that the removal was in compliance with a recent government order. The directive, issued in January, mandates that only the US flag and other flags authorized by Congress or departments can be displayed on NPS-managed flagpoles, with some exceptions. This development follows a similar incident almost a year prior when references to transgender and queer communities were removed from the NPS website for the monument.
The removal of the Pride flag, recognized as a global symbol of LGBTQ+ rights, has sparked concern. The flag, first designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, was initially flown during San Francisco’s Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. A visitor to the park, identifying as Alex, expressed dismay, stating to Hyperallergic, “The whole point of this space was to honor LGBTQ history.” Activists like Steven Love Menendez and Michael Petrelis campaigned for years to establish a permanent Pride flag at the park, which was finally achieved in 2022 during the Biden administration.
President Trump has frequently targeted the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of trans and non-binary people. On his inauguration day, he signed an order defining gender in binary terms, excluding non-binary identities. With Republican support, he has also enacted policies restricting trans athletes and limiting healthcare for trans youth. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has vowed to challenge the NPS’s adherence to Trump’s directive, promising the return of the Pride flag at the monument.
Despite the removal, visitors continue to gather at Christopher Park, drawn by the news. Among them were Kevin and Katie from Yorkshire, England, who described the US government’s action as “wrong.” Another visitor, Mimi from New York, condemned the flag’s removal as “disgusting” and “homophobic,” emphasizing the importance of recognition and respect for LGBTQ+ communities. Hrag Vartanian contributed additional reporting.
