NYC Leaders Restore Pride Flag at Stonewall Monument Removed by Trump Administration
Local leaders in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village re-raised the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Thursday. This action came after the Trump administration replaced it with an American flag earlier in the week. The removal was based on new guidance from the administration, which stated that only U.S. flags or flags authorized by Congress could be displayed at National Park Service sites.
Community Response to Flag Removal
The removal of the Pride flag drew sharp criticism from local officials, including Mayor Mamdani. Federal authorities dismissed the act of re-raising the Pride flag as a “political stunt” and claimed it was a distraction from pressing issues facing the city.
Upon the re-raising of the flag, a crowd celebrated enthusiastically. Melissa Billinghay, a community member, stated, “This is where the Pride flag belongs. It’s part of the history of Stonewall.” Additionally, Tracey Sydel emphasized that removing the flag questioned the historical significance of the location.
Federal Position on Flag Display
The Trump administration defended its stance by citing that the only flags permitted at these sites were the U.S. flag and others sanctioned by Congress. However, many noted that an exception had been made under President Biden, highlighting the monument’s significance as the birthplace of the modern Pride movement.
New York State Senator Erik Bottcher remarked, “They’re coming after us… trying to erase us.” This statement reflected the sentiment among LGBTQ+ advocates who see the reinstatement of the flag as a reclaiming of their rights and identity.
Historical Significance of Stonewall National Monument
Designated a national monument by President Barack Obama in June 2016, the Stonewall National Monument is the first federal monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights. It is situated near the Stonewall Inn, a historic gay bar known as a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community during the 1960s. The bar was the site of the 1969 NYPD raid that ignited the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history. The NYPD formally apologized for the raid in 2019.
Statements from Local Officials
- New York Assemblyman Tony Simone commented on the flag’s importance, stating, “The flag is more than a piece of cloth. It’s a symbol of how diverse we are.”
- Janice Spector urged the president to focus on significant issues instead of engaging in “pettiness and bigotry.”
Despite the tensions surrounding the flag, advocates continue to promote unity and resistance. They urge the community to stand strong and to recognize the importance of their historical and cultural identity.
Ultimately, the ongoing dialogue regarding the Pride flag reflects deeper societal issues and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in America.
