National Park Service erases transgender contributions from Stonewall site

The National Park Service, the agency responsible for protecting national parks in the United States, controversially altered its Stonewall National Monument webpage by removing references to transgender individuals. This decision, made public on February 13, 2025, sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates who noted the significance of transgender activism in the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, a pivotal event in gay rights history. The original Stonewall Inn became a national monument in 2016, recognized for its role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, specifically honoring the collective efforts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The Stonewall Uprising was ignited by a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, which catalyzed a series of protests and mobilized the LGBTQ+ community toward demanding equal rights. Activists argue that the removal of transgender references diminishes the contributions of these individuals, specifically transgender women of color, who were instrumental during the riots. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her discontent with the changes, labeling them as "cruel and petty," emphasizing that New York does not tolerate attempts to erase the history and impact of transgender individuals in this critical movement. As complaints grew, community organizations, including the Stonewall Inn and its charitable initiatives, publicly condemned the alteration, outlining it as a deliberate act of historical erasure. They affirmed their commitment to restoring the representation of transgender people on the website, stating that the actions undermine the legacy of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and distorted the truth of the historical narrative. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) echoed these sentiments by stating that attempts to erase history will not succeed, as advocates plan to continue their fight for inclusivity and recognition for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This incident reflects broader societal tensions and policies concerning transgender rights in the United States, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump, which has faced criticism for attempting to marginalize these rights. The Park Service's decision is a recent chapter in a lengthening history of conflict regarding the recognition and rights of transgender individuals, which advocates insist must not be overlooked or erased as society progresses toward greater equality.