Will Christopher Street be Destroyed?

Talliesin

Maybe this is old news to people here, but I only just heard about it.

There are plans to build an entrance to a train station between Waverly Place and Gay Street.

Now this is not anywhere near the Stonewall Inn, and hence the New York Port Authority are claiming it won't damage the National Historic Landmark.

However the riotting took place in Christopher Street as a whole, and surround blocks, not just in the Stonewall (after all when the police forced rioters out of the bar and barricaded themselves in the rioters set fire to it).

The geography of the area almost certainly contributed to the riots lasting for six days. Had the geography been more conducive to the NYPD riot squad the riotting might have been quickly subdued.

If the riotting hadn't gone on for a week, would it have been the important event in our history it is? It probably wouldn't have even made it into the papers then, and would be forgotten now.

The Battle of Christopher Street needs to be remembered, out of respect for the veterans, and as an important part of the gay community's history and culture. It should be preserved.

See the Christopher Street Preservation Alliance.