In the United States, there are 121 protected areas known as national monuments, which can only be established by Presidential proclamation or Congressional legislation. But there have been rumblings that this number will be bumping up to 122 soon.
National monuments are mostly landmarks that have great historical meaning to our country and are protected in order to commemorate that history so that, as individuals living in such a diverse country, future generations of Americans don’t forget our struggles and victories. The newly proposed national monument in honor of the gay rights movement would be the first of its kind, and serve as a reminder of everything the queer community has had to suffer and fight for in order to gain equality.
With all the problems that have arisen recently about gay rights in different states, the queer community needs the federal government's support more than ever before. Recent discriminatory legislation in North Carolina, and the unrest that still exists in Georgia even though similar legislation was not put into effect, have caused many people to wonder whether the Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage on June 27, 2015 was really the winning of a war or actually just another small battle that was won in the name of equality. While the federal government may be behind the queer community, it is obvious that many states are not so progressive with their laws. Continued pressure from DC might be able to cause them to change their tunes, but a national monument would also help fight their discrimination.
Since national monuments are representations of important moments in America’s history, a monument commemorating the gay rights movement would forever immortalize the movement while also validating its vitality in the story of our country. No one would be able to take their story away from them or present it as insignificant ever again because there would be physical proof that no one could refute. This would be comforting amidst all the harshness that is being spewed towards queer communities, especially those who identify as transgender, right now. People are trying to invalidate their existence and their beliefs, directly going against our Bill of Rights. So support from the federal government, in any shape or form, would be beneficial.
The monument itself would be located in Greenwich Village on a piece of land called Christopher Park, which is across the street from the Stonewall Inn. The Village has always held historic significance for the gay community as a Bohemian capital for artists, liberals, and counterculture movements. The Stonewall Inn was the site of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which is considered one of the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement. In 2015, the Inn gained official landmark status from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for its importance as a catalyst for the LGBT movement. Thus, it is a fitting location for a monument that will nationally, not just locally, recognize gay rights.
The President has created or expanded 23 national monuments, which is more than any other president, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this one goes through as well. His presidency, if for nothing else, will be remembered for its steadfast protection of American history. Senator Gillibrand and Representative Nadler, along with 20,000 other petitioners, have also promised to get it done. Whether people like it or not, it seems we're getting this monument in some shape or form.
