Mark My Words: Our History: Embraced, not Erased

I’ll soon be on my way to Virginia Beach, Va., to speak to the Association of National Park Rangers about what the erasure of history means at our national parks — and particularly, the erasure of LGBTQ+ history. Sadly, we’ve already seen examples of this on the National Park Service’s Stonewall National Monument website.

As one of the few remaining participants of the Stonewall riots, I am a witness to that history — and I will not be silent while any part of our community is erased.

This week, Jason and I will attend the opening of what will likely be the defining exhibit for our nation’s 250th anniversary at the Museum of the American Revolution: “The Declaration’s Journey.” It’s a stunning and deeply thoughtful exhibition exploring how the Declaration of Independence has inspired movements for freedom and equality throughout history.

The exhibit begins with two remarkable artifacts — a chair used by Thomas Jefferson while writing the Declaration, and a stool used by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while in jail. Together, they embody the ongoing American promise of liberty and justice for all.

As you move through the exhibit, it becomes clear how the Declaration’s words have inspired independence and human rights movements not only in the U.S. but around the world. And while some institutions are retreating from telling our story, the Museum of the American Revolution is boldly embracing it.

Turn a corner, and you’re greeted by a giant rainbow flag — impossible to miss — standing proudly over stories and artifacts from our community’s fight for equality. Harvey Milk, Reminder Day, Stonewall and the Gay Liberation Front are all represented, alongside others who helped shape our shared history.

It was an honor to serve as a consultant on this exhibit, knowing that hundreds of thousands of visitors will experience LGBTQ+ history — many for the very first time.

For me, one word has guided 57 years of activism: visibility.

And our visibility is now loud and proud at the Museum of the American Revolution. So when you visit Philadelphia for America’s 250th anniversary, come see how our history is being told — and don’t forget to stop by the new Philly Pride Visitor Center, one of the first of its kind in the nation.

Because as our country celebrates its independence, Philadelphia stands as a living reminder that true freedom means every voice — including ours — belongs in the American story.