Mayor Purzycki Issues Proclamation Recognizing June 2022 As LGBTQ+ Pride Month In Wilmington

Wilmington DE

17 June, 2022

1:04 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Wilmington: June 15, 2022 The Mayor also joined in a Pride Flag-raising ceremony in Rodney Square today that included a performance by singer-songwriter Lauren Kuhne The Mayor also joined in a Pride Flag-raising ceremony in Rodney Square today that included a performance by singer-songwriter Lauren Kuhne The Mayor also joined in a Pride Flag-raising ceremony in Rodney Square today that included a performance by singer-songwriter Lauren Kuhne The Mayor also joined in a Pride Flag-raising ceremony in Rodney Square today that included a performance by singer-songwriter Lauren Kuhne The Mayor also joined in a Pride Flag-raising ceremony Mayor Mike Purzycki today issued a Proclamation recognizing June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Wilmington. The Mayor also participated in a ceremony earlier today as the Pride Flag was raised in Rodney Square. During his remarks, the Mayor highlighted Wilmington's efforts to become a more just and welcoming City for all people. The Pride Flag was raised in the City's main public square for the first time in Wilmington's history in 2019. COVID interrupted Pride Month plans the past two years before the today's flag-raising event brought people together again in person to mark the occasion. Speakers at the today's ceremony included City Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz, longtime City employee Eve Darvirus, and Rose Dillon, and engineer with The Chemours Company. Singer-songwriter Lauren Kuhne performed to close out the event as the Pride Flag was raised high above the square. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBTQ+ Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots. The June celebration recognizes efforts throughout the year to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans. all Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington, which is a welcoming City that respects and values people of every background and advocates for equality for all, is pleased to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the fifth year in a row, marked by the historic raising of the Pride Flag over Rodney Square; and WHEREAS, the National Human Rights Campaign's 2021 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) of more than 500 municipalities across all 50 states again gave Wilmington a score of 88 out of 100 – the highest among eight cities and towns indexed in Delaware and 14 points higher than the State's next highest scoring city; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the important contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals and groups have made to our City – to the arts, economics and business, education, government, sports, medicine, law, journalism, science and technology, and so many other fields – all of which have made us a better, richer, and stronger community. Now, Therefore, Wilmington proudly acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community and the vital role it has played – and continues to play – in the history and culture of our great City, State, Nation, and World, having endured and triumphed over prejudice and discrimination while offering up numerous examples of courage, determination, faith, patriotism, heroism, and perseverance from which Americans of all backgrounds can learn and draw inspiration. Be it hereby known to all that Michael S. Purzycki, Mayor of the City of Wilmington, proclaims the month of June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Wilmington and urges all residents to celebrate and reflect on the diverse heritage of this once-marginalized community that continues to strengthen and enrich our City, as we strive to create a society that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all. WHEREAS WHEREAS, WHEREAS Now, Therefore, all Be it hereby known to all that Michael S. Purzycki, Mayor of the City of Wilmington, proclaims the month of June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month This press release was produced by the City of Wilmington. The views expressed here are the author's own.