Teyah Parent

Designated in 2016 as the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, the Stonewall National Monument recognizes the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The protests began after a police raid on one of the very few places where queer and trans people could gather openly. The days following were filled with protests led largely by transgender women of color and queer youth. This moment in history is widely recognized as a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The recent decision by the Trump administration to remove Pride flags from the Stonewall National Monument has reignited conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility. 

“… Stonewall Inn … is a place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to assemble for marches and parades, expressions of grief and anger, and celebrations of victory and joy. It played a key role in the events often referred to as the Stonewall Uprising or Rebellion and has served as an important site for the LGBT community both before and after those events.” Federal Register supporters of the Trump Administration’s policy have formulated the act as an effort to create uniform standards across all federal spaces. I talked to Sociology Professor James A. Vela-McConnell, who teaches Race, Class and Gender at Augsburg University, and he expressed that uniformity is not realistically feasible. “The federal government is justifying these policy changes as an attempt to create uniformity and is a clear rejection of anything having to do with the recognition of diversity. For me, however, promoting such uniformity is a warning sign. We’ve seen throughout history what happens when such uniformity becomes the norm. A truly pluralistic society is one that not only recognizes the diversity of its peoples but also celebrates it.” 

However, this action comes after a broader shift away from visible acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ contribution and struggle. With the overhaul of government websites to only recognize two binary genders: male and female, Prof. Vela-McConnell also expressed concern over other symbolic changes under the administration: “…It was only the most recent step in this process. I’m thinking specifically of the Navy ship formerly known as the Harvey Milk, named after the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. The Defense Department began to review the names of ships to ensure they better reflected what they called the country’s ‘warrior ethos.’” Vela-McConnell expressed, “The message being sent is quite clear.” Students at Augsburg have also viewed the administration’s actions as part of a larger trend. According to pre-law student Rocio Romero, “history repeats itself. I don’t think that there’s a possibility for this administration to change its hateful ways.” 

Removing pride flags has raised questions in many communities, both on and offline, about symbolism and how future generations will view LGBTQ+ history and progress. According to Vela-McConnell, flags have never been neutral objects. “We also have to keep in mind that different groups and nations all have their own flags… When these groups are in conflict with one another… these sacred symbols can be used to send a powerful political message. So, one has to ask, ‘What message is being sent when the federal government bans flying a rainbow flag in a park intended to recognize the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights? Similarly, what message is being sent in response when activists and city officials raise the flag again so that it is flying side-by-side with the U.S. flag?’”