Several nonprofit groups have come together to file a lawsuit against the National Park Service (NPS), the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for the recent removal of the pride flag at Manhattan’s Stonewall National Monument. The plaintiffs, including the Gilbert Baker Foundation, are seeking justice and accountability for the actions taken by the NPS.
The Stonewall National Monument holds great significance in the LGBTQ+ community as it commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The monument has become a symbol of pride and acceptance, making it all the more shocking when the pride flag was removed from its rightful place earlier this month.
The NPS claimed that the flag was removed due to a policy that only allows the display of the American flag, the New York State flag, and the POW/MIA flag at national monuments. However, this policy does not align with the values of inclusivity and diversity that the Stonewall National Monument represents. The pride flag has been displayed at the monument for years, serving as a symbol of hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community.
The removal of the pride flag sparked outrage and disappointment among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It was seen as a blatant act of discrimination and erasure of the community’s history. The NPS’s decision to remove the flag was met with swift backlash, leading to its return to the monument just days later.
But the damage had already been done. The removal of the pride flag sent a message of intolerance and disregard for the LGBTQ+ community. It also raised concerns about the NPS’s commitment to upholding the values of diversity and inclusion.
The joint lawsuit filed by several nonprofit groups aims to hold the NPS, the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum accountable for their actions. It seeks to ensure that the pride flag is permanently displayed at the Stonewall National Monument, along with the other flags that represent the diversity of our nation.
The Gilbert Baker Foundation, named after the creator of the iconic rainbow pride flag, is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and honor the legacy of Gilbert Baker and his creation, which has become a symbol of hope and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. The removal of the pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument goes against everything that the foundation stands for, and they are determined to fight for justice.
The joint lawsuit not only seeks to address the specific incident at the Stonewall National Monument but also to bring attention to the larger issue of discrimination and erasure faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It is a reminder that even in 2021, the fight for equality and acceptance is far from over.
The NPS’s decision to remove the pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument is a clear violation of the community’s rights and a step backward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It is crucial for the NPS to acknowledge their mistake and take steps to rectify it. The pride flag must be permanently displayed at the monument, and the NPS must review and revise their policies to ensure that they align with the values of diversity and inclusion.
The joint lawsuit filed by several nonprofit groups is a powerful statement of unity and determination to fight for what is right. It is a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community and its allies will not stay silent in the face of discrimination and injustice. The Stonewall National Monument represents a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and it must continue to stand as a symbol of hope and progress for generations to come.