Kelly Bush Novak

We stand on the shoulders of those who risked their lives at Stonewall. The most disenfranchised members of our community gave voice in protest and the resulting cry for justice marks the start of our civil rights movement. A movement as vital and necessary today as it ever has been. Our fundamental human rights remain under continuous assault. Attacks on our trans siblings, a lack of affirming healthcare access, the scourge of employment and housing discrimination, and so many more profound issues still threaten to limit our lives and potential.

I became a Stonewall Rebel to honor those who fought for us all, to acknowledge our history and the imperatives of our future. I’m incredibly proud of my team at ID, the strategic communications agency I founded 30 years ago. We represent individuals and organizations that shape and redefine our culture and bring lasting global awareness – and change – to light, with passion and integrity. We fight negative stereotypes, tropes and a lack of representation in the media daily. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center reminds us that we cannot triumph in silence and we must raise our voices in honor of those pioneers and to ensure the futures of the next generation and beyond.