The Trump administration has agreed to keep the Pride flag flying at Stonewall National Monument in New York City, reversing a February decision to remove it. The change comes after a legal challenge from LGBTQ+ advocacy and historic preservation groups. The settlement has now been approved by a federal judge.
Under the agreement, the main federal flagpole at the monument will display three flags: the U.S. flag at the top, the Pride flag beneath it, and the National Park Service flag below. The Pride flag can still be taken down temporarily for maintenance or other practical needs, but it will remain part of the regular display.
Why the Flag Matters at Stonewall
Stonewall National Monument commemorates the 1969 uprising centered around the Stonewall Inn and nearby Christopher Park, a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The site was established on June 24, 2016. The National Park Service describes it as the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history in the United States.
The rainbow Pride flag had flown officially at the monument since 2022. Its removal earlier this year quickly drew backlash, with critics arguing the move clashed with the monument’s purpose and interpretation.
Part of a Broader Dispute Over Park Interpretation
The Stonewall flag dispute did not happen in isolation. In recent months, advocacy groups have challenged changes to National Park Service interpretation and public history materials at multiple sites. The groups have argued that the administration has been narrowing the presentation of certain topics. Separate lawsuits have raised concerns about changes involving LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, slavery, Indigenous history, and climate-related content.
For now, the settlement ensures that one of the most visible symbols at Stonewall National Monument remains in place.
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