Commissioners Makhija and Winder make remarks surrounded by County officials and members of the Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs.
Nearly 100 people joined Montgomery County officials and invited speakers to kick off Pride Month with the County’s annual flag-raising event. The ceremony included music and poetry readings before the flag was raised. The event concluded with a proclamation to mark the beginning of Pride month.
"This is why we raise this flag today: To honor those who fought, advocated, and died for equal rights for everyone in the LGBTQ community. To celebrate and uplift those who continue the work to protect our neighbors, and to say to everyone who feels scared or sidelined, or alone – you are welcome here," said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in his opening remarks. "This is a display of support, a declaration of belonging and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, and a promise that we – Montgomery County – will continue to stand up for your freedom, your rights, and your safety.”
“By flying this flag through Pride Month, we are saying loud and clear – people should be free to be who they are without being targeted,” said Jamila Winder, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “People deserve to live openly, authentically, and safely. People deserve respect. We celebrate Pride Month because this community still faces discrimination, violence, and erasure. We celebrate by shining a light on that reality. We celebrate with joy, and with resistance.”
Lori Schreiber, Montgomery County Clerk of Courts and the County’s first openly LGBTQ woman elected to serve, said, “If gathering together to raise a flag will help one young person feel less alone and totally supported in their world, then we should raise as many flags as possible. We should go to as many pride events as possible and truly advocate for others who might have less power.”
In her remarks, Morgan Selkirk, Chair of Montgomery County’s Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs, thanked the County Commissioners for establishing the Commission and said, “As we raise this flag today, let it serve as a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Let it remind us that we are not alone. Each color in this flag represents the diverse identities that contribute to the rich tapestry of our community, and together we will continue to stand united against discrimination, intolerance and fear.”
The speakers were also joined by 2020 Montgomery County Poet Laureate David Gaines and musician Scott Samuels.
This year’s Pride Flag-Raising Event is part of a series of events celebrating the County’s diversity. This Thursday, June 5, the County is honoring Immigrant Heritage Month with a block party celebration starting at 11:30 a.m., and on Monday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m. the County hosts its annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Event.
All County events can be viewed online here.
