Press Release – 6.24.21 Winooski Raises the Pride Flag

Press Contacts Paul Sarne, Communications Coordinator – [email protected] Yasamin Gordon, Equity Director – [email protected]

The City of Winooski invites everyone to join us on Monday, June 28th, 2021 at 12:30 PM in Rotary Park for a ceremonial raising of the Pride flag to officially acknowledge our ongoing commitment to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In Greenwich Village, New York, on June 28, 1969, The NYPD raided a club called the . Bar patrons, staff, and neighbors took to the streets outside. A black, trans, bisexual woman named Marsha P. Johnson led the protest movement and it continued for six days. LGBTQIA+ community members demanded the establishment of places where they could be free and safe to be their authentic selves without fear of arrest. One year after the , ‘The Mother of Pride,’ activist Brenda Howard organized Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade. This developed into what we now know as the Pride March and was the inspiration for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world.

“This event is important to Winooski, as it recognizes the hardships that LGBTQIA+ community members experience as well their achievements and contributions to the world. Raising the Pride flag is a symbol of support and awareness for the resiliency of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and we are proud to join them in the fight for justice, equity, and visibility. We must continue our commitment to equity and progress while ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive Winooski. This event is another step to reaffirm our legacy of welcoming and opportunity as well as our shared vision of a safe, healthy, connected community.

- Mayor Kristine Lott

“I am proud to be celebrating our LGBTQIA+ coworkers and neighbors in Winooski this month (and every month)! Winooski is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our LGBTQIA+ staff and supporting the efforts that make Winooski a champion of inclusion and belonging.”

- Phoebe Townsend, Co-Interim City Manager

The City of Winooski would like to thank Councilor Bryn Oakleaf for her leadership in supporting this event. Mayor Kristine Lott and Representative Taylor Small will provide remarks during the ceremony. To learn more about how to support Pride Month in Vermont, please visit pridecentervt.org.

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