May 17

National Mall

Brought to you by ACLU

To kick off World Pride, the ACLU will unveil the Freedom To Be Monument in Washington, D.C., a powerful and living testament to trans resilience and joy. As we await the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark trans justice case U.S. v. Skrmetti, this installation stands as a bold declaration against the rising tide of anti-trans legislation, which seeks to strip away fundamental freedoms.

The Freedom To Be Monument is more than just a piece of art—it’s an act of resistance, combating transphobia and trans erasure. Inspired by the legacy of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, it ensures that trans voices, stories, and existence are honored and seen. Spelling out the words “Freedom To Be,” the monument is composed of 258 panels, each 6ft x 6ft, created by hundreds of trans folks and allies from across the country. Each panel is a unique response to the question, “What does freedom to be mean to me?” Over the past year, in partnership with the ACLU, trans storytellers and allies have poured their hopes, fears, and dreams into this collaborative work of art.