In brief
The Trump administration's decision to keep the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument reverses a previous move to remove it, driven by advocacy from LGBTQ+ groups amid a legal challenge. The flag will be displayed prominently, signifying a commitment to honoring diverse histories.
NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration announced that the rainbow Pride flag will continue to fly at the Stonewall National Monument. This decision comes after the flag was removed earlier this year, igniting controversy and resulting in a lawsuit from LGBTQ+ and historic preservation groups.According to court documents, the Interior Department, along with the National Park Service, confirmed their intention to maintain the Pride flag at the Stonewall site, which is recognized as the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. They indicated that it will only be taken down for maintenance or other practical reasons.As part of the agreement, the National Park Service intends to display three flags at the monument’s flagpole—measuring three feet by five feet—placing the Pride flag between the U.S. flag and the Park Service flag.The installation of the Pride flag follows years of activism pushing for its recognition at the monument, particularly since its official addition in 2022 during the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden. In February, however, the flag was taken down in compliance with federal guidelines limiting flag displays.The flag’s reinstatement serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, with advocates emphasizing that the Stonewall site is integral to the narrative of their fight for equality. The monument, established by President Barack Obama in 2016, is located near the historic Stonewall Inn, the site of the pivotal 1969 uprising that galvanized the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
