LGBTQ+ Statues, Monuments And Historical Markers

Summary

The oldest modern “out” public LGBTQ+ statues, entitled Gay Liberation, were erected in 1984 on Stanford University’s campus, in memory of the 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City. The oldest “out” LGBTQ+ public monument is the Homomonument constructed in 1987 in Amsterdam. Pride in LGBTQ+ history is reclaimed by identifying older unlabeled LGBTQ+ statues that were “closeted” when being gay was illegal. Four major types of subsequently-erected ”out” memorials are discussed: statues of famous LGBTQ individuals, and monuments and plaques to LGBTQ+ hate crime murders, pride events, and the AIDS epidemic. Vandalized LGBTQ+ monuments are discussed, as well as LGBTQ protests against homophobic statues and signs, resulting in the removal of the Frank Rizzo statue in Philadelphia. Finally, historical markers are suggested for LGBTQ+ sites in Detroit. Increasing the public visibility of LGBTQ+ global history is important for increasing pride and appreciation, and hopefully decreasing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and violence.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow