In the wake of the tragedy that occurred in Orlando earlier this month, President Obama has made a historic move that will help to honor those who lost their lives at Pulse nightclub, as well as those who have been fighting for LGBT rights throughout history. On Friday, the president announced that he is going to designate the Stonewall Inn in NYC, as well as the areas surrounding it, as the country’s first national monument for LGBT rights.
For those of you who are not familiar with the historic Stonewall Inn, it was the site of a riot by members of the LGBT community against police in 1969, an event which set off the modern day gay rights movement. The bar, which is located in NYC’s Greenwich Village, was (and still is) a very popular spot for LGBT individuals to hang out. However, back then, the bar was subject to numerous police raids that would end up in individuals getting unjustly arrested. On the morning of June 28, 1969, another police raid began but this time around, the patrons were fed up. They joined together, along with other members of the LGBT community in NYC, and rioted against police. More rioting, protests, and marches went on over the next few days, and within just a few months, a number of gay rights groups around the country were established, paving the way for the modern day LGBT movement.
With the 47th anniversary of the Stonewall riots coming up this Tuesday, and the NYC Pride parade set to happen this weekend as well, Obama’s announcement could not come at a better time. Members of the LGBT welcome President Obama’s latest decision with open arms and are excited to have part of their story become a permanent mark in U.S. history.
