New York City has welcomed the arrival of the first LGBTQ monument to the West Village's Hudson River Park and it comes with some touching sentiments.
Dedicated to the LGBT community, the monument is set to shine some light on those lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, as well as any victims of hate, intolerance, and violence. Located roughly between West 12th Street and Bethune Street, the memorial features nine large boulders that are placed in a circular pattern -- six of them are actually bonded together with glass.
"This spot to me, this memorial, is another point of reflection on that journey. Not a point that says how far have we come, but a point that says how much further we have to go," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said during the monument's unveiling. "A point that says we are still far from our final destination. There is still senseless gun violence in this nation that is getting worse, not better. 23 school shootings since the beginning of the year, and this nation still hasn't enacted common sense gun safety. This spot says for all we've done, fear and bigotry and ignorance are still alive."
The memorial was commissioned by Brooklyn artist Anthony Goicolea, who also spoke about the memorial's design. "Traditionally glass is something delicate and fragile, but here it is used to make the boulders stronger," he told Curbed in a recent phone conversation. The monument also includes a powerful inscription of a quote by activist Audre Lorde, which reads: "Difference is that raw and powerful connection from which our personal power is forged…"
"The idea of having an environment that reflects who you are and your community is particularly important when so many groups are being squashed today," Goicolea continued. "A place that celebrates diversity is needed and welcome right now, and sends a powerful message."
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