A national campaign launched to promote Stonewell Inn as a National Park Site to commemorate the struggles of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in their fight for equal rights, was conducted last Sept. 20 in front of the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich, New York.
The campaign was organized by Manhattan Representative Jerrold Nadler with partnership of National Parks Conservation Association (NCPA) and is supported by U.S. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, eleven Members of Congress, thirteen New York State Senators, 37 New York State Assembly Members, five New York City Council Members, as well as the New York City Comptroller, Public Advocate, and Manhattan Borough President.
"The legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion mirrors that of our nation: a group of individuals standing together against all odds to demand their freedom," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler in a press release from NCPA. "As the struggle to ensure equality for all continues, I am proud to stand with this coalition to remember the spark that launched the LGBT civil rights movement. We urge President Obama to designate the first ever National Park Service site dedicated to the history of the LGBT community, so that this story may be preserved and retold for future generations."
In a petition addressed to President Barrack Obama posted in Change, it is stated that two-thirds of Nation's National Parks are dedicated to cultural and historical significance.
"There's a national park site in Seneca Falls that tells the story of the women's rights movement. And there's a national park site in Selma that tells the story of the African-American rights movement. It's time to have a national park site that tells the story of the LGBT rights movement."
David Stacy, director of HRC Government Affairs, said that "A Stonewall National Monument would pay tribute to the bravery that has made possible the pro-equality achievements we enjoy today, help tell their incredibly important stories, and continue to inspire fair-minded Americans across this country to stand up for equality. We're proud to join with national, state, and local advocates in this effort to honor our history."
You can sign the online petition here.
