NYC’s Greenwich Village is home to the USA’s first national monument to gay rights

The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, is considered by many as the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement, when, in the early hours of June 28th, 1969, violent demonstrations took place between members of the LGBT community and the police.  It was the first time that Gay people stood up, as a group, to oppression and victimisation, and cemented the Stonewall as an important landmark in LGBT history, both in the USA and worldwide.

To mark this event, US President Barack Obama has allocated 7.7 acres of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, including the Stonewall Inn, as the USA’s first national monument to gay rights.

Called the Stonewall National Monument, it will be the newest addition to the USA’s National Park System, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  The announcement was made during New York City’s annual Pride celebration, which took place from 19th to 26th June.  New York City is the #1 LGBT destination in the United States.

The area will be ready in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising (which is officially June of 2019) with an expanded two-month series of events and programs called WorldPride 2019, alongside NYC Pride’s annual events.

In addition to WorldPride 2019, NYC will also host the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) 2019 Annual Global Convention, the foremost educational and networking event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender tourism industry. Upwards of 600 participants are likely to attend the three-day convention.

“In 2019, New York City will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and IGLTA has chosen to share this celebration with the global LGBT travel industry,” said IGLTA Board Chair Juan Julia. “Our members will be able to attend a great conference and also experience New York City’s incredibly vibrant LGBT community. Rich with history …  there’s never a shortage of things to do in New York City, whether you’re looking for theatre, film screenings, museums, restaurants or world-class gay bars and clubs.”

Photos supplied.

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