Gay Liberation Monument

The Gay Liberation Monument, forming an integral part of the Stonewall National Monument, stands as a tribute to the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Conceived in 1980 by American artist George Segal, the Gay Liberation sculpture holds the distinction of being the first public artwork dedicated to gay rights and solidarity, commemorating the ongoing struggles and unity of the LGBT community. Its unveiling took place on June 23, 1992, as an essential component of the entire Stonewall National Monument's dedication.

Situated directly across from the Stonewall Inn, at the northern edge of Christopher Park on Christopher Street in Manhattan's West Village, the monument showcases two pairs of lifelike, life-size couples depicted in bronze and painted white. One duo consists of two men in a standing pose, while the other showcases two women seated. The sculpture's genesis dates back to 1979, commissioned by the Mildred Andrews Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting public art initiatives. The commission criteria demanded the work be situated on public grounds and exhibit a "loving and caring" portrayal of affection emblematic of the LGBTQ+ community, with equal representation of men and women.

Photo by By Beyond My Ken - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0