ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester’s elected officials gathered Monday evening to raise a Pride flag above the Austin Steward Plaza in downtown, part of the city’s LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations. Here’s what to know about Pride in Rochester and towns around Monroe County:
Latest after Webster’s Pride flag was taken down
Rochester’s flag-raising ceremony came just over a month after Webster’s Pride flag was taken down from the town hall’s flag pole, sparking dueling chants of protests and cheers. The Webster Town Board voted 3-2 to remove the flag, enacting a law that only the U.S. and New York state flags can fly on town property.
The decision to take down Webster’s flag came despite support for the flag by many within the community. Webster Town Board Member John Cahill read the new policy during the vote.
“The American flag and the New York state flag shall be the official flags of the town of Webster to be displayed on properties owned by the town of Webster. Said flag policy shall take effect on Friday, June 5,” Cahill said.
News10NBC reached out to Webster town leaders to see if there are any plans to change the town flag codes to allow things like the Pride flag to fly, but did not hear back.
Rochester leaders speak about significance of Pride
Rochester kicked off Pride Month over the weekend. While most of the country celebrates Pride Month in June, Rochester celebrates Pride in July.
Throughout the month, Rochester will hold events to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Mayor Malik Evans explained why it’s important for state, county and city leaders to continue protecting LGBTQ rights.
“As we celebrate our 250th anniversary, it says liberty and justice for all. That means all people, not some. That means our LGBTQIA community. And that is why it’s important that we remember that. That for all means everybody. And that’s why we fly our flag every year,” Evans said.
Evans joined local leaders for the flag-raising. Susanna Speed of Trillium Health said the parade remains an important part of the community.
“I think being visible, being joyful, sharing our lives, as well as the things that we’re fighting for is really critical. We want to make sure that our allies are walking with us and that folks see us. And also, there’s just so much joy in our community to share. We want to share it with everybody,” Speed said.
Which towns are celebrating Pride?
News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski took a trip around the county to find out how other towns and villages may or may not be recognizing Pride Month. He stopped by multiple towns and villages and checked the official websites and social media pages of others to get a full picture. You can see the full story here.
Why does Rochester celebrate Pride a month late?
June is designated as National Pride Month because that’s when the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan started. However, Rochester celebrates Pride in July, so its celebrations don’t conflict with celebrations in Buffalo and Syracuse, according to Trillium Health. You can learn more in this Good Question.
When is the annual Pride Festival and Parade?
The Rochester Pride Festival returns to Highland Park on Saturday, July 18. The festival includes a parade, live music, food, arts vendors, and drag.
The celebration kicks off with the Pride Parade at 11 a.m. at South Avenue and Science Parkway. The parade will then head north on Highland Avenue to Highland Park for the festival. General admission for the festival costs $5, and children under 12 are free. You can get tickets online here or at the gate.
The festival runs until 6 p.m. You can see an entertainment lineup for the festival here.
Pride in Monroe County: Rochester raises flag, latest after Webster took down its flag, and upcoming events WHEC.com.
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