Protesters spoke out Thursday against President Donald Trump's decision to revoke transgender rights outside of the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of gay rights activism.
Trump rolled back federal protections given to transgender students for access to bathrooms and locker rooms of the sex they identify with. Instead, the issue will now be determined on a state-by-state basis.
Advocates say the move is an attack on the transgender community and LGBTQ community at large.
"People that are opposing this law, well, opposing the bathroom rights for trans people, especially trans youth, it's the issue of pedophilia or men and women restrooms, and it's like, it's not about that. It's just people that may not look particularly feminine or masculine want to pee in peace, and you should allow that," said one protester.
"These children are walking around all day having conflict in their skin in addition to conflict of their hormones and the stresses of school. It needs to be a secure and safe place for every student," said another.
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio both say transgender residents will be able to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.