Stonewall Inn's Landmark Status To Be "Reviewed" By Trump
President Donald Trump is expected to order a full evaluation of all the national monuments designated by President Obama, which includes a review of the Stonewall Inn.
New York's Stonewall Inn has a unique place in queer history as it's considered by many to be the birthplace of the modern day LGBT rights movement.
The Stonewall Riots that ensued in June 1969 saw the local LGBT community rise up in the face of repeated police raids at the establishment. The uprising was led by the community's most marginalized, with drag queens and transgender women of color putting their bodies on the front lines.
Some of the world's first Pride marches began in 1970 on the anniversary of the riots and to this day, many countries still hold "Christopher Street Day" Parades in honor of the pub's location.
President Obama classified the site as a National Monument just last year, saying: “Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights.”
However, a question mark has now been put over its status as President Trump is expected to order an assessment of all the monuments designated by his predecessor.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the President will sign an executive order this week asking the Interior Department to evaluate all designations made in the past 21 years.
According to the Tribune, the review will “discern whether [the monuments] are within the law’s intent”.
Speaking of his choice to honor the Stonewall Inn with its National Monument status, President Obama said: “I’m designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s National Park System. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights."
"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us," he concluded. "That we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one.”
Below, activist Mikah Meyer speaks with Stonewall Inn's designated park ranger Allan Dailey about the establishment's role in LGBT history.
