Hundreds gathered at the Stonewall National Monument to protest the Trump administration’s decision to erase transgender history, amid growing concerns over trans rights.
Protests Erupt at Stonewall National Monument
NEW YORK – On Friday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Stonewall National Monument to denounce the Trump administration’s removal of transgender references from the site’s LGBTQ+ history. This move is seen as part of Trump’s broader crackdown on the trans community.
The protest erupted after the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) quietly revised the monument’s webpage, removing the terms “transgender” and “queer.” This change aligns with Trump’s new executive order, which mandates that the federal government recognize only two genders—male and female—and declares them as “fundamental and unchangeable reality.”
Erasing History: A Controversial Campaign
This action has sparked fears that the Trump administration is rewriting history, erasing key figures and events from the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Before the edits, the National Park Service’s website highlighted that “The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969, was a milestone in the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights and provided momentum for a movement.”
However, with transgender references erased, many worry that the contributions of trans activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—who led the Stonewall riots against police oppression—will be forgotten.
Protesters Speak Out: ‘You Can’t Spell History Without a T’
Protesters carried powerful signs, including messages like: “National Park Service: You can’t spell ‘history’ without a T.” Some even rewrote the word “transgender” on placards to counter the erasure.
Chloe Elentari, a trans protester, voiced her outrage: “Stonewall would not be Stonewall without the T.”
Another protester, Kalen, 38, from Brooklyn, argued that this was not just a simple webpage edit but part of a broader effort to “systematically erase trans people.”
Stonewall – A Sacred Symbol for the LGBTQ+ Community
Michael Venturiello, founder of Christopher Street Tours—an LGBTQ+ history walking tour in New York—emphasized that Stonewall is more than just a historic site; it is a symbol of resilience and resistance for the queer community. “LGBTQ+ history is still being shaped. Seeing ourselves in history is life-saving and empowering,” he said.
Stonewall was officially designated as a National Monument in 2016 under President Barack Obama. In 2023, former President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to visit the site, recognizing the contributions of “trans women of color” to the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Wider Attacks on the Trans Community
Beyond historical erasure, the Trump administration has implemented several controversial policies targeting trans rights. Protesters at Stonewall also condemned NYU Langone and other local hospitals for discontinuing gender-affirming care, as well as Trump’s recent executive order restricting trans athletes’ rights.
Elentari warned, “They’re going after the T first, and then they’re coming after the LGB.” She also urged LGBTQ+ allies to take action: “Don’t call yourself an ally if you’re not acting. Show up and protest, donate to queer charities, and support trans people directly.”
Conclusion
The Stonewall protest underscores the ongoing threat to trans rights. While the Trump administration attempts to rewrite history, many believe the truth cannot be erased. Stonewall will always stand as a symbol of resilience, defiance, and pride for the LGBTQ+ community.