Fact Check: "Trans pride flag excluded from Stonewall Pride display for the first time."
What We Know
This year, the Stonewall National Monument in New York City did not include the transgender pride flag in its Pride Month display, which typically features a mix of rainbow LGBTQ+ flags, transgender flags, and progress flags. Steven Love Menendez, a photographer and advocate who has been involved in the flag display for nine years, reported that he was instructed by the National Park Service (NPS) to display only the traditional rainbow flag this year, resulting in the absence of transgender and progress flags among the 250 flags installed around the park (CBS News).
Additionally, earlier this year, the NPS removed references to transgender and queer individuals from the Stonewall National Monument's website, further fueling concerns about the erasure of transgender visibility and history (Them, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that the transgender pride flag was excluded from the Stonewall Pride display for the first time is supported by multiple sources, including direct statements from Steven Menendez and observations from visitors to the monument. Menendez's assertion that he was told to limit the display to only the traditional rainbow flag is a critical piece of evidence, as it indicates a deliberate decision by the NPS rather than an oversight (CBS News, TransVitae).
The removal of transgender references from the NPS website adds context to this decision, suggesting a broader trend of diminishing transgender representation in official narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ history (Them, ABC News). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism and advocacy, providing a credible basis for the claims made.
However, it is important to note that the NPS has not publicly commented on this specific decision, as their staff at the park stated they were not authorized to discuss the matter (CBS News). This lack of official communication leaves some ambiguity regarding the motivations behind the decision to exclude the transgender flags.
Conclusion
The claim that the transgender pride flag was excluded from the Stonewall Pride display for the first time is True. Evidence from credible sources indicates that the NPS made a conscious decision to limit the display to only the traditional rainbow flag, thereby omitting transgender and progress flags. This decision aligns with recent actions taken by the NPS to remove transgender references from their website, suggesting a troubling trend in the visibility of transgender individuals within the context of LGBTQ+ history.
