On February 13, the National Park Service removed all instances of the words Transgender and Queer from the Stonewall National Monument website, as well as other sites and resources referencing LGBTQ+ history. In 1999, Stonewall was the first site in the country listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to LGBTQ+ history. We are proud that it is in New York State and was listed through the efforts of preservationists and the state historic preservation office.

The Stonewall National Monument, designated in 2016, is based on the boundaries established in this earlier nomination and is the first and only national park dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. The history of the Stonewall uprising is intertwined with the civil rights of the United States and all citizens. It demonstrates the power of activism by the full range of LGBTQ+ activists who rose up in June 1969, changing the trajectory of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. 

As a preservation movement, we say in no uncertain terms that LGBTQ+ history is our history, and it needs to be amplified and celebrated. We choose not to remain silent while attempts are made to deny the existence of Trans people, both past and present. Revising the historical record for political purposes is dangerous and unacceptable.

The Preservation League of NYS stands for a preservation movement that is for everyone – a core tenet is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Denying or inventing history may make some feel more comfortable, but it is neither accurate nor constructive. Preserving and celebrating diverse histories is essential – whether that means preserving sites related to disability history or places that represent the immigrant experience, telling the stories of women’s history, honoring Asian American histories, amplifying the work of Transgender activists, supporting Latinx communities, or celebrating Black culture – all of it matters and we stand with our allies who continue to do this important work.

In New York State, we continue to preserve our past to work toward a more just and sustainable future. We count among our partners in this work the organizations listed below and many others. You have our word that together we will always seek to tell the full story of our shared history.

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