Holyoke kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising, honoring the LGBTQ+ community
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – June is Pride Month, a time when communities across western Massachusetts celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community.
A ceremonial flag raising was held in Holyoke on Monday, where residents joined local and state leaders to honor the LGBTQ+ community.
'We celebrate pride because it was born in protest. Not in parades. Not in merchandise. But in defiance. Sparked by the brave black and brown trans women, Queer youth, and drag queen–Who fought back at stonewall in 1969,' proclaimed Devin Sheehan, Holyoke School Committee member, and National School Board Association President.
A colorful symbol of pride, protest, and inclusion now flies above Holyoke City Hall, a proud sign of the city's commitment to celebrate and uplift its LGBTQ+ community.
Mayor Joshua Garcia proclaimed June as Pride Month in Holyoke Monday night, saying, 'We assure you that in Holyoke, you can be who you are because you belong.' State and city leaders spoke on the importance of visibility and representation in a country that they say is more divided than ever.
Juan Anderson Burgos with the Holyoke Pride Committee adds, 'You wear these colors and you stand up for those who feel like they can't.'
This year's celebration was more than just a flag raising, but a call to action to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender youth. 'We are not going to let anybody in Washington tell us how we treat each other,' adds State Rep. Patricia Duffy.
House of Colors member and Youth speaker, Kaycee Valentin, adds, 'In this political climate, we need a lot of support. We are just trying to live our lives.' Keynote speaker Marybel Delgado, Founder of 'Transcending Beyond,' spoke on her journey as the mother of a transgender child and the need for safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Delgado said, 'It's about being protected, it's about being valued. It's about being free. So let this flag be a beacon to every person questioning their worth. You are powerful.' The city of Holyoke, strengthened by its diversity, equality, and hope.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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