Stonewall designated 1st national LGBT monument

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The Stonewall Inn in New York in 2014. (AP file)

President Barack Obama announced Friday that the area around The Stonewall Inn, including Christopher Park, in New York City's Greenwich Village would be the first national monument dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement. It is called Stonewall National Monument.

"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country -- the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us, that we are stronger than ever. That out of many, we are one," said Obama.

The official designation was announced via the White House social media accounts, which included a video narrated by the President and members of the LGBT community about the new Stonewall National Monument.

"Back in 1969, as a turbulent decade was winding down The Stonewall Inn was a popular gathering place for New York City's LGBT community," said Obama.

"One night, police raided the bar and started arresting folks. Raids like these were nothing new, but this time the patrons had had enough. So they stood up and spoke out. The riots became protests. Protests became a movement. The movement ultimately became an integral part of America," said Obama.  

 

The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a pivotal moment in the fight for rights for the LGBT community.

The historic bar recently served as a gathering place for people mourning those killed by a gunman inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that the choice of location for the monument was fitting.

"From marriage equality, which I signed into law five years ago today, to groundbreaking hate crimes legislation, to securing and protecting transgender rights, New York is a state of unrelenting progress in the LGBT movement," Cuomo said.

"The Stonewall National Monument will honor that history of progress, and I am proud to have signed legislation to help create a symbol that demonstrates to the world how much we have achieved and how much more we must accomplish for equality for all."