News

Trump administration attempts to rewrite history and erase Trans people

Who threw the first brick at Stonewall?

Means Happy

21 Feb 2025 — 4 min read

The state-sanctioned persecution of Trans people continues in the US, with the latest example being the Trump administrations removal of all references to Trans people from the official website of the Stonewall National Monument.

Information about the monument - which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots - now refers only to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.

Given that contemporary news reports clearly documented the prominent role of Trans women in the Stonewall riots - including people such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera - to pretend that there was visibility of Trans people at that time is a blatant rewriting of history.

Image published by the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project

In response, the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project described the move as "revising the historical record to eliminate transgender and queer identities for political purposes", declaring it "a dangerous and divisive practice."

"Facts matter..." stated the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project. "History matters. Transgender and queer people have always existed and will continue to exist. Their histories and contributions are inextricably linked to the American story and must not be erased. We must stand together and call out those whose fear and hatred seek to harm us and push us back into obscurity. Our history—once invisible—will not be erased."

However it appears that the LGBTQ community in the US has little leverage to push back against the policies and actions of the Trump administration which now effectively controls all branches of federal government and has the backing of a supportive Supreme Court.

It's likely that we will continue to see further examples of systemic homophobia and transphobia being implemented across the UK in the years to come.

Image published by NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project

Have your say and shape the future of Pride in Europe

An important opportunity for queer people to ensure our voices are heard.

The Meaning of Pride survey is part of an initiative that aims to explore the personal and collective meaning of Pride within the queer community of Europe.

Presented by the European LGBTQIA+ Media Association (ELMA) and the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA), the survey is supported by queer media and publications, NGOs across Europe, as well as tourism organisations such as visit.brussels.

The survey seeks to capture the perceptions, behaviours, and expectations of the European LGBTQIA+ community towards Pride events. The questions provide an opportunity to dive into the emotions and experiences of queer people, while also enabling the development of a framework for the delivery of Pride events as our equality journey continues to evolve.

"The LGBTQIA+ community is very diverse and Pride holds different meanings for each of its members..." explaines Giannis Papagiannopoulos, President of ELMA. "This survey will allow Prides to serve the community and evolve according to its needs."

"We are delighted to support this essential survey..." adds Frederick Boutry, Nightlife & LGBTQIA+ advisor at visit.brussels. "Pride events are a cornerstone of the LGBTQIA+ community. This survey will ensure their relevance and purpose for years to come."

Click here to complete the survey