New York City unveils first memorial dedicated to the LGBT community
The memorial honours the lives lost in the June 2016 Orlando Pulse Shooting
New York City has unveiled its first-ever LGBTQ memorial.
The memorial was unveiled in the Hudson River Park earlier this week by Governor Andrew Cuomo and was joined by Corey Johnson, the first openly gay elected politician in New York with HIV.
According to Cuomo, the memorial honours the lives lost in the June 2016 Orlando Pulse shooting and “all victims of hate, intolerance and violence.”
The memorial, created by Brooklyn artist Anthony Goicolea, consists of nine boulders in a circle, six of which are bisected and connected again with glass that reflects light in different colours.
However, the largest boulder doesn’t feature glass and instead includes a quote by LGBT activist Audre Lorde which reads: “Difference is that raw and powerful connection from which our personal power is forged…”
Goicolea explained why he decided to use glass in an interview with Curbed, saying: “Traditionally glass is something delicate and fragile, but here it is used to make the boulders stronger.”
The artist revealed he also wanted to create a memorial in which people can walk around, sit on and feel connected to.
He said: “The people who visit this memorial become a part of it, in a sense. This is more than just about one person.”
“The idea of having an environment that reflects who you are and your community is particularly important when so many groups are being squashed today.”
He added: “A place that celebrates diversity is needed and welcome right now, and sends a powerful message.”
The stunning memorial can be found on the waterfront of the Hudson River Park between West 12st Street and Bethune Street.