Protests Erupt Over Pride Flag Removal at Stonewall Inn

The recent removal of the rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall Inn, a national monument commemorating the 1969 queer rights uprising, has sparked significant protests from the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. The flag was taken down on February 9, 2026, and replaced with an American flag, following a memo from the Trump administration that restricted flag displays at national parks and historic sites. This policy change has been interpreted by many as an attempt to erase the contributions of transgender individuals and people of color from LGBTQ+ history.

The Guardian

In response to the flag's removal, thousands gathered outside the Stonewall Inn, culminating in a protest on February 12, where Democratic lawmakers re-raised the traditional rainbow flag. However, many activists expressed disappointment that the more inclusive Progress Pride flag, which incorporates the colors of the trans flag and acknowledges queer people of color, was not restored. Chloe Elentári, a trans activist, criticized the decision as a “half measure,” stating, “I want the progress flag so that we’re all included.”

The Guardian

Trans activists have voiced their concerns about the implications of the flag's removal and the choice to raise only the traditional flag. Mika Kauffman, a trans activist, described the event as “performative,” emphasizing the need for visibility and inclusion of trans individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. “Trans people are dying, black trans women and brown women are the reason that our rights exist in the first [place],” Kauffman stated. Activists argue that the removal of the flag is part of a broader agenda to marginalize trans voices within the movement.

The Guardian

On February 17, leaders from various nonprofits filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the flag's removal. Andrew Berman, executive director at Village Preservation, highlighted the integral role of trans individuals in the history of the Stonewall uprising and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. While some community members, like Charley Beale of the Gilbert Baker Foundation, advocate for unity and support any inclusive flag, others stress the importance of specifically raising the Progress Pride flag to ensure representation.

The Guardian

The debate surrounding the Pride flag at Stonewall is not merely about symbolism; it reflects deeper issues of visibility and safety for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. According to Advocates 4 Trans Equality, at least 27 transgender individuals were killed in violent acts in the United States in the previous year. Activists argue that raising the Progress flag signifies a commitment to advocating for all members of the community, particularly those most at risk.

The Guardian

• “I want the progress flag so that we’re all included.” — Chloe Elentári, Trans Activist

The Guardian

• “Trans people are dying, black trans women and brown women are the reason that our rights exist in the first [place].” — Mika Kauffman, Trans Activist

The Guardian

• “It’s really not just about the flag; it’s about the fact that lives are at stake,” — Xaddy Addy, Black Trans Individual

The Guardian

• “There’s room in the sky for all of them.” — Charley Beale, President of the Gilbert Baker Foundation

The Guardian

The ongoing discussions and protests highlight the critical need for inclusion and representation within the LGBTQ+ movement, particularly for trans individuals and people of color.

The Guardian