Update
Uncovering the Untold Stories of Our National Parks
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Gay liberation statue in Christopher Park
NPS Photo
Stonewall National Monument
Before Stonewall, there was no such thing as coming out or being out. The very idea of being out, it was ludicrous. People talk about being in and out now, there was no out, there was just in.
Giving Voice to a Movement
“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 — that we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one.” — President Obama
Stonewall National Monument is the first LGBTQ national monument, dedicated to the birthplace of the modern lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights movement.
On June 24, 2016, Stonewall National Monument was established as the 412th unit of the National Park System. Located in Christopher Park in part of New York City's Historic Greenwich Village, the events of June 28, 1969 in this area helped shape the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement.
Across the street from Christopher Park at Stonewall Inn, patrons and employees fought back as New York City police conducted a raid, a scenario that had become routine at gay bars and often resulted in harassment and arrests. Unlike previous raids, the crowds held their ground in demanding civil rights and refused to disperse. The protests expanded from Stonewall Inn along neighboring streets and into Christopher Park, and at times included several thousand people. The six-day-long uprising marked a significant turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Within two years, LGBTQ people across the country had formed gay rights groups in almost every major city.