Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A pill bottle, a flask and a college diploma from the TV show Will and Grace are among the latest exhibits at the Smithsonian Institute.
The donations form part of an exhibition of the history of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at the National Museum of American History. Curators are collecting materials from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual political, sports and cultural history objects from Arizona to Maryland.
Some items being donated include the diplomatic passports of Ambassador David Huebner, the first openly gay US ambassador confirmed by the Senate; materials from a gay community centre in Baltimore; and photography documenting gay rights activism.
From sports history, the museum will receive a tennis racket from former professional player Renee Richards, who won a landmark New York Supreme Court decision for transgender rights after she was denied entry to the US Open in 1975. And the museum will receive the first transgender pride flag from an activist and US Navy veteran.
The institute has previously collected items opposing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual rights, including protest signs from the Westboro Baptist Church. AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments