Stonewall National Monument

In June 2016, President Obama designated Stonewall National Monument, the first national monument dedicated to telling the story of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. “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,” said the president. “That out of many, we are one.”

We at Trust for Public Land couldn’t agree more, which is why we are proud to have played a small part in helping to create this monument. TPL worked with New York City to facilitate property negotiations, paving the way for the site’s permanent protection. Culturally important parks and monuments remind us where we come from, and visiting them helps us understand the full history of our nation—often in ways we might not expect. The Stonewall Inn is considered part of our Black History and Culture portfolio, for instance, due to the involvement of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans-rights activist who played an important role in the uprising.

At TPL, we know that when we preserve a park, we preserve more than land. This is exemplified by TPL projects like Stonewall National Monument, which lies within Christopher Park, a green space across the street from the historic Stonewall Inn. The monument offers not just history around the LGBTQ+ movement; it hosts festivals, educational workshops, and art exhibits. It’s an ongoing testament to the power of places, and the strength of people who come together in the name of a cause.