The National Parks Service (NPS) has removed a large rainbow pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument, a site widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. This decision comes as part of a new policy that governs flag displays on federal property, according to multiple reports.
Designated as a national monument by former President Barack Obama in June 2016, the Stonewall site commemorates the Stonewall Uprising that began on June 28, 1969. The NPS stated that the removal of the pride flag adheres to longstanding government policies regarding flag displays, which allow only the U.S. flag and other authorized flags to be flown on NPS-managed flagpoles with limited exceptions.
In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation, the NPS explained that recent guidance clarifies how this policy is applied consistently across its sites. “Any changes to flag displays are made to ensure consistency with that guidance,” the statement added.
Reactions from Local Officials
The removal of the pride flag has incited strong reactions from local officials and LGBTQ advocates. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Democratic Manhattan Borough President, confirmed via social media that a federal order dated January 21 led to the flag’s removal. He criticized the Trump administration, asserting that it “cannot erase” LGBTQ history.
Similarly, Julie Menin, the Democratic Speaker of the New York City Council, described the decision as a “deliberate and cowardly attempt to erase” the historical significance of Stonewall. In her statement on X, she emphasized that the site represents a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, adding, “This is an attack on LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, and we will not stand for it.”
Democratic New York State Senator Erik Bottcher echoed these sentiments, labeling the order as a “shameful attempt to rewrite history.” He highlighted the inseparable connection between the Stonewall site and the pride flag created by Gilbert Baker, stating, “Stonewall is where our community fought back and demanded to be seen.” Bottcher, who won a special election on November 4, 2025, is also openly gay.
Broader Implications and Context
The decision to remove the pride flag occurs against the backdrop of a broader trend observed in 2025, where numerous major corporations scaled back their involvement in LGBTQ pride events across the United States. This shift raises questions about the ongoing support for LGBTQ rights in an evolving political landscape.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) did not provide a response to requests for further comment regarding the flag’s removal. The NPS maintains that Stonewall continues to serve as a site for preserving and interpreting its historic significance through various exhibits and programs.
As discussions surrounding LGBTQ rights persist, the removal of the pride flag from this iconic site serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the community.