Bisexual References Removed from Official Stonewall Monument Website

The official website of the Stonewall National Monument—a tribute to the historic 1969 riots that became a milestone in LGBTQ+ rights—has recently undergone changes that eliminate all mention of bisexual individuals. This update follows a troubling pattern of revisions that appear to intentionally alter the historical narrative of the LGBTQ+ movement. Back in February, the National Park Service (NPS) also removed references to transgender people from the site, fueling concern among historians and advocacy groups.

Part of a Broader Trend Undermining Diversity Initiatives

These edits are taking place amidst a politically charged atmosphere. The changes echo rollback efforts initiated during the Trump administration, which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within public and private institutions. As early as February, archival data from the Wayback Machine revealed that the acronym “LGBTQ+” had been shortened to “LGB” on the site. By April, updates went even further—erasing references to the broader queer community and only acknowledging “lesbians and gays” as participants in the Stonewall uprising.

Iconic Figures Still Shown—But Omitted from the Narrative

Despite these textual omissions, several photographs of key trans and bisexual activists, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, remain visible in the site’s “Education” section. Their visual presence, however, starkly contrasts with the lack of explicit recognition for their contributions to the movement—an inconsistency that has sparked sharp criticism from across the LGBTQ+ community.

Extensive Digital Erasure of LGBTQ+ Resources

This is not an isolated case. It is part of a sweeping effort to remove LGBTQ+ content from U.S. government websites. According to an investigation by Democracy Now, over 8,000 pages have been deleted since the beginning of the year. The purged materials included key information on HIV prevention, anti-LGBTQ+ violence, and public health data concerning LGBTQ+ individuals—raising alarm bells for public health advocates and civil rights organizations alike.

Strong Backlash from Advocacy Groups and the LGBTQ+ Community

The media advocacy organization GLAAD sharply condemned the moves, calling them deliberate acts of historical erasure and marginalization. A spokesperson commented: “This blatant act of omission not only rewrites history but also disrespects the profound contributions of transgender individuals—especially trans women of color—in the struggle for equality.”

Civic Mobilization and Political Outcry

In response to the changes, more than 47,000 people signed a petition demanding the restoration of the original content on the website. The backlash also took to the streets: in New York City, LGBTQ+ activists gathered outside the Stonewall Inn to publicly denounce what they view as a systematic attempt to erase queer history. At the protest, long-time transgender advocate Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker delivered a powerful message:

“We are here to stay, and we won’t be erased by a christo-fascist and neo-Nazi administration.”

Protecting an Inclusive Historical Legacy

The Stonewall Monument represents a pivotal moment in the history of queer resistance. Yet this recent wave of digital modifications poses a serious threat to preserving an inclusive and accurate collective memory. In the face of such erasures, continued public vigilance and active civic engagement are more vital than ever in safeguarding the true legacy of LGBTQ+ activism and resilience.