In a move on the petty-but-harmful bar of shutting down the White House Spanish-language page and the removal of words such as “diversity” and “fairness” from the FBI core values, the National Park Service (NPS) has erased references to transgender and queer people from the official website for the Stonewall National Monument due to a executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
A two-gender nation?
Last month, the president declared that the federal government will only recognize two genders—male and female. Since then, federal agencies have been removing references to trans, queer, and intersex people from their pages, including those of the the NPS, which has erased references to transgender and queer people from its official website for Stonewall.
“LGBTQ+” is now also shortened to “LGB” on the NPS website. According to an archived version of the page posted by CNN, it had previously said “LGBTQ+.” The organization has not yet responded to our request for comment.
‘Honoring brave pioneers’
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opened June 28, 2024, marking the 55th anniversary of the of the Stonewall Rebellion, where LGBTQ+ activists—including trans people—kicked off the modern fight for equality. A program of Pride Live, it was the first LGBTQIA+ visitor center in the National Park Service.
In response to Trump’s tactic, Pride Live and the visitor center published a statement on their websites denouncing the move:
“Our space is inextricably linked with and honors the brave pioneers, especially transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, who led the Stonewall Rebellion,” the statement read. “Independently owned and operated, and 100% supported by donations, we will continue our mission to ensure that every person has access to learn about and see themselves in history.”
Erik Bottcher, a member of the New York City Council, told CNN: “He’s trying to cleave our community apart and divide us. He’s not going to succeed. Lesbians and gays are not going abandon our transgender siblings. We are one community.”
Pride Live has made clear it will stand against the erasure of the existence and contributions of trans and queer people from the narrative: “Through the creation of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, we’re unwavering in our effort to protect and preserve Stonewall’s legacy and history,” the organization said.
Government websites have been moving to erase references to transgender and nonbinary communities since Trump retook the White House. Last month, the U.S. State Department updated its page for queer travelers, which now says “LGB Travelers.”