New York politicians and activists made a bold statement on Thursday afternoon by hoisting a large Pride flag to the Stonewall National Monument’s flagpole in defiance of a federal directive to remove any flags or pennants that aren’t the United States flag or from the Department of the Interior. This act sparked outrage and mobilized a crowd to Christopher Park in the West Village, despite the bitter cold.
The National Park Service (NPS) had quietly removed the rainbow Pride flag on Monday, marking a year after removing references to transgender and queer people from descriptions of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and the LGBTQ+ movement on its website. In response, federal employees replaced the Pride flag with a US flag, as part of the White House’s campaign to revise American history in museums and national historic sites.
The removal of the Pride flag led to a swift backlash from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and numerous Democratic leaders in the city. They vowed to restore the flag to its rightful place, emphasizing the importance of honoring and upholding the LGBTQ+ community’s legacy.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal organized an impromptu flag-raising ceremony at the site three days after the removal. Elected officials and activists gathered in Christopher Park to raise the Pride flag on a smaller aluminum pole and then transfer it to the permanent flagpole in the center of the park. However, the process did not go smoothly, with some activists expressing frustration at the handling of the situation.
After a brief discussion with activists, the officials decided to raise both the Pride flag and the US flag side by side on the permanent flagpole. This gesture was met with approval from the crowd, who watched as both flags fluttered in the wind. The event concluded with attendees heading to the Stonewall Inn for a celebratory happy hour.
Bronx-based artist and drag queen Timothy French, who attended the event with their own trans pride flag, spoke out against the Trump administration’s actions. They highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who are transgender, and emphasized the importance of visibility and representation.
Despite the obstacles and setbacks, the community’s resilience and unity were on full display at Christopher Park that day. The symbolic act of raising the Pride flag in defiance of erasure and discrimination served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. Newly elected State Senator Erik Bottcher, who represented the West Village and led the City Council’s LGBTQIA+ caucus, emphasized the importance of preserving the Stonewall Monument’s history and significance to the community. In the face of attempts by the Trump administration to erase its importance, Bottcher stressed the monument’s role in providing hope and inspiration to LGBTQ+ individuals, including himself.
Growing up in a small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Bottcher recalled feeling alone and hopeless, until he discovered the proud history of Stonewall. Learning about the pivotal role the monument played in the LGBTQ+ rights movement gave him hope and a sense of belonging. Bottcher’s personal connection to Stonewall underscores the monument’s power to uplift and empower individuals within the community.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal echoed Bottcher’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of celebrating Stonewall as the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Hoylman-Sigal highlighted the importance of preserving this historic site for all New Yorkers to recognize and honor the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community.
In the face of potential threats to the Stonewall Monument, Hoylman-Sigal expressed confidence in the community’s ability to mobilize and protect this important landmark. He predicted that any attempts by the National Park Service to remove the monument would be met with strong resistance and a united front from those who cherish its legacy.
Hyperallergic reached out to the National Park Service for comment on the situation, but as of now, there has been no response. The community remains vigilant and ready to defend the Stonewall Monument against any attempts to diminish its historical significance.
In conclusion, the Stonewall Monument stands as a symbol of resilience, pride, and activism for the LGBTQ+ community. Its value cannot be understated, and efforts to erase or diminish its importance must be met with staunch opposition. The community’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Stonewall is unwavering, ensuring that future generations can continue to draw inspiration and strength from its history.
(Rhea Nayyar contributed reporting to this article)
