In a move that pays homage to the Stonewall riots that catalyzed the contemporary LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York state legislators have greenlit a bill to rename a New York City subway station.
The legislation, which concluded its session this month, mandates the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to rechristen the Christopher Street-Sheridan Square subway station in Greenwich Village as the Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station.
According to AP News, the bill, which was passed on Wednesday, is now awaiting the approval of Gov. Kathy Hochul. Her office, however, has not yet responded to requests for comments. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Manhattan Democrat who sponsored the proposal, expressed his thoughts on the social platform X following the Senate's passage of the measure. He wrote, This change will memorialize the history of the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement and inspire NY to demand justice and equality for all.
The Stonewall Inn, a significant landmark in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, was the site of a police raid on June 28, 1969. This event sparked a riot and several days of protests, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. During this era, individuals could face arrest for displaying same-sex affection or dressing in a manner considered gender-inappropriate, leading to bars that served them losing their liquor licenses.
Today, the Stonewall Inn stands as a National Historic Landmark. Every June, patrons from across the country and beyond visit the site during LGBTQ+ pride celebrations held in New York and numerous other cities. This proposed name change serves as a testament to the ongoing fight for justice and equality, reminding us of the historical struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Login