Westchester County marked the beginning of Pride Month with its Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building. Hosted by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the County’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board, the event brought together residents, community leaders, elected officials and advocates to celebrate the County’s LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm Westchester’s commitment to inclusion, dignity and equality for all.
The annual flag raising serves as both a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and a recognition of the ongoing work to ensure every resident feels welcomed, respected and valued. As Pride Month begins, Westchester County joins communities across the nation in honoring the contributions, history and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals while continuing to support efforts that promote understanding and acceptance.
Jenkins said: “Pride Month is a celebration of authenticity, acceptance and the freedom to be who you are. As we raise the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, we recognize the countless contributions LGBTQIA+ residents make to every corner of our County. We also recognize that the progress we celebrate today was made possible by generations of advocates who fought for it. Here in Westchester, we remain steadfast in building a community where every person feels welcomed and valued.”
County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj said: “Pride Month is a celebration of visibility, and resilience. Today’s flag raising honors the progress that has been made while recognizing the work that continues to ensure equality and opportunity for all in our County. I am proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and join Westchester County in celebrating the diversity that makes our communities stronger.”
LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board Chair Rachel Simon said: “The Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag represents the many voices, identities, and experiences that make up the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we have come, to honor those who paved the way, and to continue building a community where everyone feels seen and supported. The noise from community members who are opposed to our rights, our humanity and our existence is loud right now. But our supporters and advocates are even louder. We are proud to once again raise this flag in Westchester County as a symbol of visibility and belonging.”
Pride Month is recognized each June and commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The Pride Flag has flown at the Michaelian Office Building each June since 2019 as a symbol of Westchester County’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring all residents feel represented within Westchester County.
