This is a historic moment for all of us, LGBTQIA+ or otherwise.

President Obama, who has been arguably the strongest president yet in supporting and advocating for the rights of queer people, is designating a new Stonewall National Monument at the historic Stonewall Inn site in New York City. This is the same place that, in June 1969, erupted in violence when queer folx rebelled against police who were raiding the Stonewall Inn, a hangout and safe space for LGBTQIA+ people.

According to a press release from the White House,

“The new ‘Stonewall National Monument’ will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a community’s uprising in response to a police raid sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.”

Specifically, President Obama has said this of the national monument,

“I’m designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s National Park System. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights. 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 together. That out of many, we are one.”

Watch a video below describing the importance of this event:

Photo: Wiki Commons