In pictures: Thousands of LGBTQ people protest against Trump outside Stonewall Inn
Pic: Fotograffitti / Instagram
Organised by PFLAG NYC, alongside more than 60 other organisations, the rally focused on Trump’s controversial executive order limiting refugees, immigrants and visitors from a number of Muslim countries.
There are also concerns that the president will sign a recently leaked draft executive order that would effectively legalise discrimination against LGBTQ people in order to protect so-called “religious freedoms”. The protesters further railed against Trump’s selection of “the most anti-LGBT nominees and appointees in modern history” in his administration and for the US Supreme Court.
The organisers said that the rally aimed to “protect the civil rights of our LGBTQ loved ones and stand in solidarity with immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and every person whose civil rights and dignity are under threat”.
The event saw thousands from around the city and surrounding areas coming out with placards and rainbow flags in a colourful and defiant display of solidarity, and was supported by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The Stonewall Inn is credited with being the site of the birth of the LGBTQ rights movement. On June 28, 1969, LGBTQ patrons of the gay bar fought back against police officers in response to ongoing homophobic raids and harassment. The riots continued for a number of days.
In June last year, President Obama proclaimed the Stonewall Inn, a small adjacent park and the surrounding streets and sidewalks a national monument.
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