Commission May Declare Stonewall Inn Landmark

Community leaders and advocates are pushing to get Manhattan's Stonewall Inn designated as an official New York City landmark. The New York City Landmark Preservation Commission will deliberate the issue on Tuesday June 2nd.

At 53 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village stands the Stonewall Inn. At first glace it seems to be an ordinary tavern with brick and mortar exterior and a neon red sign. After closer inspection, however, it is clear that this tavern is anything but typical.

The Stonewall Inn was one of New York City's most prominent gay bars in the late 1960s. In June of 1969, however, it was forced to shut down. This was due to the protest of many of its patrons following a series of discriminatory police raids. Many credit this uprising as the genesis of the modern gay rights movement.

During a press conference organized by the Greenwhich Village Society for Historic Preservation on Monday, New York City Councilman and proponent of the establishment's designation Daniel Dromm, told reporters that the preservation of the Stonewall Inn is "vital." He said, "having this site  designated as a historical site is important to understanding of the LGBT movement and for the understanding of tolerance and acceptance throughout the city."

 

If the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission approves the Stonewall Inn for landmark status, it would be the city's first LGBT landmark.

 

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