President Obama Designates Stonewall Inn As First Ever LGBTQ National Monument
The historic bar where the modern gay rights movement was launched is now part of the National Parks System
On Friday, June 24, President Obama designated the Stonewall Inn as the first ever national monument that honors LGBTQ rights, Fusion points out. The bar was the site of the 1969 riots that ignited that modern gay rights movement, and once again served as a gathering place in the wake of the Orlando tragedy.
In a video announcing the Stonewall National Monument, President Obama relayed the history of Stonewall and the struggle for LGBTQ rights in America. "Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights," Obama said in the video. " 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." Watch the video announcing the Stonewall National Monument above.