The Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969 and was a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Christopher Park currently opens 7a-8p daily.
#OnThisDay
in 1969, in the early morning hours the police raided the Stonewall Inn, resulting in the LGBTQ community spontaneously pushed back. The Stonewall Uprising kicked off several nights of riots to protest the unfair treatment that the LGBTQ community had been facing.
Happy Aromantic Awareness Week! This identity is one that doesn’t experience romantic feelings. Famous icons thought to be aromantic include Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, and perhaps Florence Nightingale! Catch this flag at Christopher Park for the rest of February 💚🤍🖤
🏳️⚧️ Happy Pride Month 🏳️🌈
Each June NYC commemorates the '69 Stonewall Uprising with a march and more. That first anniversary only a few hundred people met at the start of the route, but eventually 10000 joined to advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights! Now millions celebrate worldwide!
Today rangers mark the conclusion of
#AceWeek
2022, an event formally known as Asexual Awareness. 10 years following an awareness campaign, the asexual community has broadened to goals such as advocacy for medical care and inclusive sex education.
#LGBTQcivilrights
#FindYourPark
#RedShawlDay
began as an effort to bring attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against Indigenous peoples, particularly women and children. At Stonewall National Monument and across the National Park Service, we commemorate the day by wearing red shawls.
Want to celebrate
#PrideMonth
at
#StonewallNationalMonument
but you’re not in New York City? Visit and click the "Stonewall Forever" image on our home page to learn about the history and stories associated with the site!
Yesterday we kicked off Pride Month by decking out Christopher Park in her finest colors—rainbow, of course! So grateful to gay liberation activist & icon Randy Wicker for raising the Progress flag with us. 🏳️🌈✨
On June 1st 2022, National Park Service rangers, along with members of the LGBTQ+ community, ceremoniously raised the first Pride flag to be flown permanently on federal lands as a message of inclusion for the American people!
Today, during
#Pride
Month, NPS Director Chuck Sams, Stonewall NM Superintendent Shirley McKinney and NPS Associate Regional Director Paula Petrella celebrated the ceremonial launch of the park's new visitor center in NYC in partnership with Pride Live.
In the words of
#SylviaRivera
she was "born ready" on July 2, 1951 and continued fighting for trans rights until her last moments on February 19, 2002. From her hospital bed she negotiated for transgender representation in a
@NYSHumanRights
bill that was finally made law in 2019.
Happy
#firstdayofspring
! 🌷🌼🌱🌈
We’re so excited to welcome longer days and warmer weather that we’re writing haikus about it!
tulips, daffodils
spring is out, and so are we
growing, growing, bloom!
Give us your best (or goofiest) spring poems in the comments👇
Rangers are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our friend and icon, Leslie Cohen. She and wife Beth Suskin, together for 45+ years, are immortalized in the Gay Liberation sculpture. We grieve with Beth, family, and LGBTQ+ community while celebrating Leslie’s incredible life 💝
January 21st is National Hugging Day, reminding us of what a privilege it is to hold your loved ones close—while some embraces have higher stakes. In a world where the LGBTQ+ community is often treated like an affront, an offense, and an obscenity, a hug can be revolutionary.
Today is the
@NatlParkService
's 105th birthday! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️To commemorate, we put together a
#ParkScrapbook
of memories of Stonewall NM and other NPS sites celebrating Pride! Please enjoy this short video and share photographs of how you have celebrated
#MakingMemories
with the NPS!
This day we reflect on
#MarriageEquality
becoming law in 2015 across all 50 states! Leslie and Beth were together for 45+ years and posed as models for the statues in Christopher Park. When they were finally free to marry in Florida, their NYC friends celebrated with decorations!
Today is
#WorldPostcardDay
and we've sent a note to
@BOAFNPS
and Longfellow House NHS wishing them all the best at their exciting Queer Art in the Parks event to celebrate
#LGBTQHistoryMonth
!
Any other
@NatlParkService
sites you think could benefit from an encouraging message?
Today during
#NationalParkWeek
we feature
@yosemitenps
for the theme
#sPARKMemories
! Pride means so much to so many different people across the globe. At Yosemite, not only was there a place for the LGBTQ+ community, Rangers were able to express their pride too!
#NPSprideroadtrip
The rangers at Stonewall National Monument are wearing purple today for Spirit Day, a day to wear purple to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. LGBTQ youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment.
#SpritDay
#StonewallNationalMonument
#LGBTQHistoryMonth
The U.S. Department of Justice cited data showing that transgender Americans are 2.5 times as likely to be victims of violence as cisgender people. On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor those lives lost due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence.
Along with our signs around Christopher Park that tell the
#StonewallUprising
story, this summer visitors will find a special presentation by the Gilbert Baker Foundation! You can also view the
#StonewallNationalMonument
fence exhibit virtually from here:
“I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people, and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them of my husband’s words: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’” -Coretta Scott King
Marsha P. Johnson poses with Randy Wicker, holding a sign, "I'm Irish too!" This was in support for the Irish Lesbian & Gay Organization who faced violent opposition in the early 1990s for their requests to participate in NYC's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
#HBD
Audre Lorde! New York City born in 1934 and New York State Poet Laureate 1991-1992, her poetry and essays were a powerful voice for the civil rights of Black people, women, and the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. Today we celebrate by sharing her words and inspirations 💐
Ready...set...glow up! 🏳️⚧️✨🏳️🌈
Thank you to all who helped decorate
#ChristopherPark
this week with hundreds of rainbow and progress flags! These icons surrounding
#StonewallNationalMonument
have become a tradition during
#PrideMonth
so check them out for yourselves all June!
Let's take a moment to celebrate the 85th birthday of icon
@Randolfe
Wicker! His story aligns with the LGBTQ+ civil rights evolution from the 1950s to now. As the movement's vision and fabric grew and changed, so did Randy--proving it's never too late to learn a few new tricks!🎉
On
#LesbianVisibilityDay
we recall the words of Illaria Dana in
@archivettesfilm
:
"LGBTQ people...a huge part of our work is visibility. Being active in communities, loving each other, keeping each other safe, and preserving these histories is a way to do that."
It’s National Girl Scout Day! Two Stonewall National Monument Park Rangers have been girl scouts (see picture). For members of LGBTQ+ youth, the Girl Scouts have been openly supporting lesbians since 2003 and members of the trans community for quite some time.
#girlscoutday
In just one week is our celebration for
#MarshaPJohnson
and the
@NatlParkService
at Christopher Park on Wednesday, August 24 from 2-3p with flowers, party favors, and fun!
Do you have any messages for or about Marsha we could share at the party? Tell us in the comments!
Happy Transgender Awareness Week! “I’m willing to help anyone, I don’t care,” said Brenda Holder, a transgender activist and celebrated ballroom performer. Brenda Holder is one of many unsung heroes who broke ground in the 1980s and works to bring awareness to the community.
After the Rainbow Flag's rise in 1978, many bisexual individuals felt unseen and marginalized, even in the LGBTQ+ community, due to polarized labels they felt did not represent their identities. So in 1998 Michael Page debuted the Bisexual Flag!
#BiWeek
#RedShawlDay
began as an effort to bring attention to the missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Native women. Here at Stonewall, we’re commemorating the day by wearing red shawls.
Join the conversation and help raise awareness by wearing red and using
#RedShawlDay
.
You are cordially invited to Christopher Park on August 24, 2-3p as we celebrate the birthday of transgender civil rights icon, Marsha P. Johnson. We'll be joined by
#PridePuppets
for photo opportunities, ranger talks, and a giant card to sign!
More info:
These are the last few days of Stonewall National Monument’s 5th anniversary! To celebrate, our 15-part mini-series shares firsthand accounts of the Stonewall Uprising and how the site was established as a national monument in 2016.
View the videos here:
Unlike the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Pride celebrations are often called marches because LGBTQ+ people are frequently rejected from civil rights and public life. Even though everything on this earth is political, a parade is a privilege for many, while others must still march! ✊
2022 has been deemed the “Year of Mental Health" as many people realize the stress, isolation, and uncertainty of pandemic living has taken a toll, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. This
#WorldMentaHealthDay
how well do you know your mental health?
🎉 Happy birthday, Sylvia! 🎉
Today we celebrate a leader, mentor, fighter, and activist who helped put the T in LGBTQ+. Sylvia fought for transgender civil rights throughout her life and was a tireless voice for the LGBTQ+ community.
Performing womanhood looks different across cultures and history. People we now call “transgender” have always existed; science proves there are more than two sexes; and there is a rich history of queer women building lives outside the patriarchal framework.
#WomensHistoryMonth
It’s
#NationalHighFiveDay
popularized by Major Leaguer Glenn Burke as his teammate Dusty Baker crossed the plate following an important home run! Burke became the first of 2 MLB players to come out as gay after retirement, while only 2 minor leaguers have ever done so in uniform.
Today is our Happy Birthdays Celebration for
#MarshaPJohnson
and
@NatlParkService
!
"When you talked to Marsha about her activism, she would say, 'Well my birthday was Stonewall... my gay civil rights started at Stonewall!'" --
@Randolfe
Wicker
Share thoughts on Marsha below!
It’s fall, y’all! Almost time for our volunteers at Christopher Park Alliance to prepare the gardens for a long winter season and vibrant new year!
#FirstDayofAutumn
Today on
#InternationalYouthDay
we celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ youth that were a main driving force behind the Stonewall Uprisings! These youth were among a diverse crowd that helped the uprisings continue for multiple days & many created or joined new LGBTQ organizations
April brings tulips—one of the first brave blooms to break through the winter ground; they wave in the wind as if calling their friends up out of the earth to join them. The Stonewall Uprising was like these spring flowers, a beginning bold burst of energy for liberation!
Come to Stonewall National Monument on Thursday, July 14th to hear a special program with Ranger Gary from Biscayne National Park. Join Ranger Gary for stories from Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Gettysburg, Stonewall, and more. This special presentation will begin at 10 a.m.
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️Happy National Coming Out Day! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
At
#StonewallNationalMonument
, we've heard many very moving coming out stories and we encourage everyone to be themselves. Share your coming out story using
#NationalComingOutDay
to help create a safe space for others to come out too.
Don’t forget to create your art for the We Are Stonewall Arts Festival! Contributions can be shared to stonewall
@nps
.gov
#StonewallPrideAllYear
For inspiration, check out last year’s virtual event here:
Are you a lifelong learner curious about LGBTQ+ history? The National Park Service has published an inclusive resource that explores the broad cultural influences shaping this diverse community. Check it out!
#americaneducationweek
It's
#NationalBagelDay
and we're ordering up "a revolution with a schmear!" -Karla Jay
After the Uprising in June 1969, the original Stonewall Inn shuttered. This space then hosted several other commercial enterprises such as clothing and food--including bagels!
#FindYourPark
🥯
2022 would have been LGBTQ+ icon Judy Garland's 100th birthday! A talented artist, she is perhaps best known for her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. To celebrate her life with us, please enjoy some of the greatest songs from her beloved movies:
From John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site for
#PrideAllYear
:
During the 1930s, when JFK and Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings met. Choosing to express his sexuality to JFK took great courage on Lem’s part. The two continued being lifelong friends.
Stonewall National Monument, in collaboration with
@AFBurialGrndNPS
, is pleased to present a Spanish Read with the Ranger, "All are Welcome," for grades K - 3. Please find the video as well as an audio described version on our website here:
Stonewall National Monument is getting ready and excited for Pride. For those who'd like to conduct school group visits or are interested in getting a Special Use Permit, please see our website here:
#OTD
in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act was established by Congress. The Stonewall Inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark on Feb. 16, 2000, the first property listed using solely LGBTQ significance to qualify.
Happy National Parents' Day! Here at Stonewall National Monument we want to encourage you to take some time to appreciate all the people who love and support you unconditionally. Here is a great resource for parents and caregivers:
#NationalParkWeek
starts on Saturday and runs through April 24. We will be taking an
#NPSprideroadtrip
to feature other sites across the Park Service with an LGBTQ+ connection! Today as a sneak peek we're highlighting
@BiscayneNPS
and their coral reef fish (more info in alt text)
Join us every Saturday until NYC Pride, for our
#PrideThroughTheDecade
series that will highlight key events, figures, and legislation. When you think of Pride, you may not think of the 1950’s but that is where we begin. Check out information here:
The 1990s did not begin with a fresh start for the LGBTQ+ community. For more information:
Join us next week as we look at
#PrideThroughTheDecade
2000s!
UPDATE: From Saturday, May 6 until Sunday, June 4, the front gate of Stonewall National Monument will be closed for safety due to maintenance. Visitors may still enter on Christopher Street and the ADA-accessible Grove Street location.
We are HIRING for seasonal jobs! Come work with us! Check out the link for more information, and be sure to choose “Manhattan Historic Sites, New York, NY” when applying!
"We are learning as the nation's storyteller that we have to tell all stories... Parks are safe places... And we can embrace young people coming in and say, 'You have a home here.' I couldn't be more proud to be part of the NPS at this point in time."
Welcome junior stewards on National
@girlscouts
Day and beyond! 💚🍪
To earn a patch, scouts should participate in NPS-organized educational activities or volunteer service projects for a minimum of 10 hours at one or more sites:
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to celebrate LGBTQ+ civil rights activists like Jose Julio Sarria. A central figure in San Francisco's gay community from the 1960s onward, he was the first openly queer person to run for U.S. public office:
During
#LGBTQHistoryMonth
we remember those civil rights activists who overcame resistance, drafted a policy platform to fight discrimination, and marched in D.C. ten years after the Stonewall Uprising.
Listen to a recording of that event:
In this watercolor for the
#WeAreStonewall
:
#PrideAllYear
Art Festival, Ranger Gary highlights the eminent gravity of Stonewall's inaugural designation as a national monument in 2016! He also created a wonderful spoken word story about his journeys here:
It's
#NationalBeachDay
and the start of
#WeAreStonewall
:
#PrideAllYear
Art Festival!
Photographing "Pride Beach" this past June, Jennifer Maria explains that she views the Miami Beach rainbow flag lifeguard stand as "another testament to Pride and where Pride came from."
This July 4th we join the
#America250
initiative with Gilbert Baker's story, an artist and activist largely inspired by U.S. Bicentennial celebrations to create the rainbow flag for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Rangers will post about this connection and others through the commemoration!
Considered to be the first notable Union causality in the Civil War was Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth, killed removing a Confederate flag from a roof that could be seen from the White House by his close friend President Lincoln. We remember all fallen military members today.
Here at our urban park, fashion is both serious business and “street theatre” 🎭 Prior to the 1970s, people were often arrested for wearing less than 3 articles of clothing that corresponded with their assigned gender at birth
#NPSFW
#StonewallNationalMonument
#FashionWeek
#NYFW
On the 185th anniversary of Christopher Park's creation, we feature and give thanks to our friends at
#ChristopherParkAlliance
for all they contribute to the beauty of Stonewall National Monument!
Stonewall National Memorial is holding an arts festival for the 5th anniversary of its designation as a National Monument! We invite you to submit art that tells us 'What Stonewall Means to You'
Enjoy the second episode of our 15-part series to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the establishment of Stonewall National Monument.
Episode 2: Surviving on the Streets via
@YouTube
The third episode will air on
#FifthAnniversaryFriday
July, 9th
We conclude
#BisexualAwarenessWeek
with a spotlight on James Baldwin, the acclaimed NYC-born writer at the dawn of the Civil Rights and LGBTQ+ movements! His 1956 novel, Giovanni’s Room, explored an internal conflict between homosexuality and bisexuality.
There are so many stories within the National Park Service around LGBTQ+ civil rights and stories. We'll be sharing stories in our National Park Service sites to promote
#PrideAllYear
and
#PrideinParks
.
Share with us stories you'd like to see in our series
#PrideAllYear
!
Reposted
@AFBurialGrndNPS
for our
#PrideAllYear
and
#PrideInParks
series, check it out. Bayard Rustin was a brilliant strategist, pacifist, and forward-thinking civil rights activist during the middle of the 20th century. For more information:
The first transgender American to be included in the National Portrait Gallery in D.C. is Sylvia Rivera! Her participation in the Stonewall Uprising itself is debated but her contributions to LGBTQ+ civil rights are undeniable.
#HispanicHeritageMonth
It's finally the summer solstice! In ancient Greece, this moment marked one month until the Olympic Games. Here in NYC,
@GayGames
IV coincided with Stonewall 25 celebrations in 1994 which outnumbered Olympic athletes by this year.
Which activities get you outside during summer?
For National Poetry Day, we're discussing poet, activist, and LGBTQ+ founding father of the Beat Generation, Allen Ginsberg, who coined the popular phrase “flower power” to encourage a non-violent rebellion in pursuit of social change: