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Panel tells story of LGBTQ+ milestones in New York State
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with Niagara Pride, on Friday unveiled a new interpretive panel on Goat Island commemorating highlights in New York state’s LGBTQ+ history, including the first legal wedding that took place in Niagara Falls State Park.
Kitty and Cheryle Lambert-Rudd became the first LGBTQ+ couple to marry in New York, on July 24, 2011, following the enactment of the Marriage Equality Act in June 2011, making New York the sixth state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. The law took effect July 24 and, at the stroke of midnight, the Lambert-Rudds were married on Luna Island by then Niagara Falls mayor Paul Dyster, becoming the first legally married LGBTQ+ couple in New York.
Image courtesy of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
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New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Temp Randy Simons said, “New York state is home to so many significant events that paved the way for equal rights for so many people, but especially the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud that New York State Parks has played such a significant role in this history, and this panel is just one example of how we can educate our visitors to our parks about the special history that took place here.”
The sign was conceived and paid for by Niagara Pride, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY by providing a variety of programs and services.
Research and writing for the panel was provided by the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project, an activist organization whose goal is to preserve and share local LGBTQ histories. In addition to the marriage, the panel outlines LGBTQ+ history including the Stonewall Riots and other legal precedents that took place in New York over the past several decades.
Niagara Pride President Ronald Piaseczny said, “People often don’t realize that significant historical events may have occurred in the spot where they are standing. And for many of us in the LGBTQ+ community, we often forget that LGBTQ+ history is not something that occurred in New York City, but rather, right here locally in WNY. That’s why our organization felt it was important to work with the NY State Parks to create a panel that honors the momentous achievements of Kitty and Cheryle Lambert-Rudd and the importance of not taking for granted rights, like the freedom to marry the person you love.”