1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the legislation introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer, Representative Dan Goldman, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on February 16, 2026, to permanently authorize the Pride flag to fly at the Stonewall National Monument. This bill would designate the Pride flag as an authorized flag under federal law and protect the ability of national parks to make their own decisions about flag displays. The recent removal of the Pride flag from Stonewall represents an erasure of American history that demands congressional action. Stonewall is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and holds national significance as a monument to the struggle for equality. The Pride flag, created by Gilbert Baker in 1978, represents generations of Americans who fought to be seen, protected, and recognized as equal citizens. This legislation addresses a fundamental question about how we preserve and honor the diverse histories that make up our national story. By codifying the Pride flag's authorization in federal law, Congress ensures that LGBTQ+ history at Stonewall is not subject to political whims or administrative directives that contradict the site's historical significance. As Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal noted, this is about permanence and sending a clear message about the value of LGBTQ+ contributions to American society. The bill also protects the autonomy of individual national parks to make appropriate decisions about flag displays at their sites, respecting local context while establishing clear federal recognition of the Pride flag's legitimacy. I ask you to cosponsor and vote for this legislation. Stonewall stands as sacred ground for millions of Americans, and Congress has both the authority and responsibility to ensure that its historical significance is properly honored and protected. Our national monuments should reflect the full breadth of American history, including the ongoing fight for liberty and justice for all.