When Symbols Are Removed: Stonewall, Pride, and LGBTQ+ Mental Health

When Symbols Are Removed: Stonewall, Pride, and LGBTQ+ Mental Health

For many LGBTQ+ people, the Stonewall National Monument is not simply a historic landmark. It is a mirror, a memory, and a marker of survival. When the Pride Flag was removed from the flagpole at Stonewall earlier this month, the reaction extended far beyond policy debates. It touched something deeper—identity, safety, and emotional well-being.

Stonewall, designated a national monument in 2016, marks the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. For decades, its presence has symbolized resistance, visibility, and the right to exist openly. Removing a symbol so closely tied to that legacy sends a message that is felt not only politically, but psychologically.

Miss Simone (left) watches Shirley McKinney and Steven Love Menendez lift the Rainbow Flag up into the air at Christopher Park in 2022 — back when the Biden administration allowed the flag to go up, complete with black and brown stripes and the colors of the Trans Flag.

Why Symbols Matter to Mental Health

Symbols play a critical role in mental and emotional health, especially for marginalized communities. Visibility affirms existence. It communicates belonging. For LGBTQ+ individuals—many of whom have experienced rejection, discrimination, or trauma—seeing Pride represented in public spaces can reduce feelings of isolation and invisibility.

Mental health professionals often emphasize that community affirmation helps buffer stress, anxiety, and depression. When a symbol like the Pride Flag is removed from a space that represents liberation, it can trigger grief, anger, and a renewed sense of vulnerability. For some, it echoes earlier experiences of being told to hide or disappear.

Stonewall as Emotional Ground

Stonewall is widely understood as sacred ground within LGBTQ+ culture. It is a site of collective memory where resistance was born from fear, anger, and courage. Removing the Pride Flag from that location does not erase history, but it can distort how that history is emotionally experienced by those who live with its legacy.

Community caretakers and advocates expressed shock at the timing of the removal, particularly given earlier actions that altered how LGBTQ+ identities—especially transgender and bisexual people—were represented in official interpretations of the site. For many, these changes feel cumulative, reinforcing a pattern of erasure rather than isolated administrative decisions.

The Psychological Weight of Erasure

Erasure is not abstract. It has emotional consequences. When LGBTQ+ identities are removed from public narratives or symbols, it can reinforce internalized shame and fear, especially among younger people still forming their sense of self. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ youth and adults experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation when they feel unseen or invalidated by institutions.

Public symbols like the Pride Flag do not create equality on their own, but they signal recognition. Their absence can feel like a withdrawal of safety, particularly in moments when political rhetoric already feels hostile.

Community Response as Collective Care

In response to the flag’s removal, community members organized demonstrations and public statements of solidarity. These responses matter. Collective action helps counter feelings of helplessness and reminds individuals that they are not alone. From a mental health perspective, shared grief and shared resistance are forms of care.

Elected leaders and advocates emphasized that Pride is not owned by any administration. It is lived daily by LGBTQ+ people who continue to love, organize, and survive. This reassurance plays an important role in restoring emotional balance when institutional decisions feel destabilizing.

The bare flagpole at the Stonewall National Monument is seen on Feb. 10 after the Trump administration removed a Rainbow Flag.

Resilience Beyond Symbols

While symbols are powerful, they are not the sole source of strength. LGBTQ+ resilience has always existed beyond official recognition. Still, the fight for visibility remains deeply connected to mental wellness. Affirmation—whether through symbols, language, or policy—helps create environments where people can breathe more easily.

Removing a flag may seem procedural on paper, but for many, it feels personal. A reminder that progress is not linear and that care for LGBTQ+ mental health must include vigilance around how history and identity are represented.

After Dark Treasures Product Pairings: Comfort, Pride, and Self-Care

Moments like these call for grounding, connection, and intentional self-care. These After Dark Treasures selections support emotional wellness and pride:

• Pride-Inspired Self-Care Candles
Designed to create calming, affirming spaces during times of stress.

• Sensory Relaxation Oils
Encourage grounding and nervous system regulation through touch and scent.

• Intimacy & Communication Card Games
Support emotional connection, reflection, and shared processing with partners or friends.

• Pride Accessories & Lifestyle Items
Small but meaningful ways to reclaim visibility and self-expression.

Final Thought

The removal of the Pride Flag from Stonewall is not just a debate about policy—it is a reminder of how closely mental health is tied to visibility and acknowledgment. Symbols matter because people matter. History lives not only in exhibits, but in how communities feel seen, protected, and valued in the present. Pride was born from resistance, and its emotional power endures far beyond any flagpole.

Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health care or counseling. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or depression, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or trusted support organization.

FAQ 

Why does the Pride Flag matter for mental health?
Visibility affirms identity and belonging, which are protective factors against anxiety and depression.

Can symbolic erasure affect emotional wellbeing?
Yes. Removing affirming symbols can increase feelings of isolation and stress, especially for marginalized groups.

Is Stonewall more than a historic site?
For many, Stonewall represents collective memory, resilience, and emotional safety.

How can communities respond to erasure?
Through solidarity, advocacy, and creating affirming spaces that support emotional health.

 

Written By Bobby Newberry | Exclusively on After Dark Treasures
©️ Copyright 2026 After Dark Treasures, LLC.

This content complies with educational and commentary standards and does not provide medical, legal, or psychological treatment advice.

Your health and confidence matter. Don’t forget to browse some of our products online below this article to get started. Like, subscribe, and join our email list for exclusive content, special offers, and bold new articles. Let us know what you’d like to read next—we love hearing from you.

Prowler is a leading gay lifestyle brand rooted in pride, diversity, and community since 1989. Offering premium underwear, fashion, sex toys, and fetish essentials, Prowler celebrates confidence, self-expression, and LGBTQ+ culture through quality, sex-positive products.