Greenwich Village Intersection Co-Named to Honor Pioneers of Marriage Equality
The intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North in Greenwich Village was officially renamed “Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Way” to honor the extraordinary contributions of LGBTQ+ rights activists.
In a significant tribute to their extraordinary contributions, the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North in Greenwich Village was officially renamed “Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Way.” This renaming ceremony, which took place in June, commemorated the couple who played a pivotal role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, who resided on the corner for an impressive 43 years, left an indelible mark on the neighborhood and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Their historic battle in the U.S. Supreme Court resulted in a landmark ruling granting same-sex married couples the same federal benefits as heterosexual married couples.
During the ceremony, which coincided with what would have been Windsor’s 94th birthday, Governor Kathy Hochul paid tribute to their courage and legacy. Hochul highlighted how Edie Windsor’s unwavering love for Thea and her determination to challenge the status quo had profound effects on the fight for equality.
The legacy of Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer extends beyond their legal victory. Both were instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and were founding members of prominent organizations such as the LGBT Center and Sage, New York’s oldest advocacy group for LGBTQ+ elders.
The co-naming of this intersection serves as a lasting reminder of the progress achieved and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. It stands as a symbol of inclusivity and recognizes the profound impact that Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer had on the Greenwich Village community and LGBTQ+ rights movement.
