Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Executive Vice President for External Affairs Winnie Stachelberg issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior announced today that the Henry Gerber House will be designated as a national historic landmark:
Henry Gerber was a pioneer in the movement for LGBT equality, and it is fitting that his house will be preserved so that current and future generations may learn this vital chapter in America’s civil rights history. Today’s designation is also a milestone in the Obama administration’s LGBTQ Heritage Initiative and a reminder of how much work there is yet to do if we are to build a truly inclusive system of parks and monuments for our country. With the momentum of this landmark designation, we will continue to work toward the goal of having a first-ever national park or national monument dedicated to the history and contributions of the LGBT community.
Gerber was an early activist for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, Americans, and his home is the nation’s second historic landmark honoring the LGBT movement.
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