Pride Flag to Return to Stonewall Monument

Federal government reverses decision to remove LGBTQ symbol from historic site.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:10am

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A warm, nostalgic painting depicting the Stonewall Inn in New York City, with the rainbow Pride flag prominently displayed outside the historic building, conceptually representing the significance of the site and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality.The restoration of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument symbolizes the enduring legacy of the LGBTQ rights movement.NYC Today

The Trump administration has agreed to restore a large rainbow Pride flag to New York's Stonewall National Monument, reversing its previous decision to remove the LGBTQ symbol from the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, according to a court filing on Monday.

Why it matters

The Stonewall Inn and the surrounding Christopher Park are considered the symbolic heart of the LGBTQ rights movement, after the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn sparked the modern fight for equality. The removal of the Pride flag was seen by many as a symbolic attack on LGBTQ history and visibility.

The details

In 2021, the Trump administration had ordered the removal of the large rainbow Pride flag that had flown at the Stonewall National Monument since its designation in 2016. This decision faced widespread backlash from LGBTQ advocates and allies. After a legal challenge, the current administration has now agreed to restore the Pride flag to its rightful place at the historic site.

  • The Stonewall riots, considered the start of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, occurred in June 1969.
  • The Stonewall National Monument was designated in 2016 to commemorate the historic site.
  • The Trump administration ordered the removal of the Pride flag in 2021.
  • The current administration has now agreed to restore the Pride flag in 2026.

The players

Stonewall National Monument

A U.S. National Monument located in New York City that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, which are considered the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

Trump administration

The presidential administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which had previously ordered the removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument.

Current administration

The current presidential administration, which has agreed to restore the Pride flag to the Stonewall National Monument.

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What they’re saying

“The Stonewall Inn and the surrounding park are sacred ground for the LGBTQ community. Removing the Pride flag was a direct attack on our history and identity.”

— Sarah Warbelow, Legal Director, Human Rights Campaign

“Restoring the Pride flag to its rightful place at Stonewall is an important step in honoring and preserving LGBTQ history and visibility.”

— Alphonso David, President, Human Rights Campaign

What’s next

The National Park Service is expected to officially raise the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in a public ceremony on June 28, 2026, the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

The takeaway

The restoration of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument is a symbolic victory for the LGBTQ community, reaffirming the site's significance as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement and ensuring its continued visibility and representation.