Barack Obama names Stonewall Inn USA’s first national monument to LGBT rights
President Obama has designated New York’s historic LGBT venue The Stonewall Inn as a national monument a sign of respect to the gay community, which has continued to stand unified despite the recent terror of the horrific Orlando massacre.
The Stonewall Inn was raided by police during a time when being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender was illegal and seen as a mental illness, sparking a nationwide movement for LGBT rights.
Obama has now acknowledged the mistakes of the past and made The Stonewall Inn the first ever venue to be protected by the National Parks system, which relates to the struggle for equality faced by the LGBT community.
The President said of the historic step: “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.”
The Stonewall National Monument was announced in a video that includes educating facts on LGBT rights, that features Obama himself.
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