June marks the beginning of Pride Month, and while it’s seen as a time to celebrate the LGBTQ Plus community, it’s also a time for activism.
Several villages and towns across the Chicago-area suburbs had debates this year on displaying Pride flags at government buildings, including in Arlington Heights. Janet McCarthy, founder of LGBTQ Plus nonprofit Glen’s Friends, pushed for the village to display a Pride flag on their flag pole this year, but they lost the vote by one.
Instead, she gathered 50 businesses to participate in the “Heights Pride Inclusion Campaign” to display their support this month.
“As a business owner you would sign an inclusion pledge that all are welcome here and that you’ll use the correct pronouns with customers and staff and just bring the love,” she said.
McCarthy started the foundation in honor of her brother, Glen. He died while riding a bike at an AIDS fundraiser three years ago.
“We just feel so much joy doing this for him,” she said. “It’s just love, that’s it. That’s all it is.”
The ‘Heights Pride Inclusion Campaign’ began after McCarthy met with a group already doing something similar in nearby Elmhurst.
“We ask businesses just to agree to be an inclusive and welcoming space where everybody feels like they belong,” said Stephanie Wargin, President of the Elmhurst Pride Collective.
It’s an organization that’s guiding more than 100 businesses to offer more inclusive spaces.
“Things like what kind of a space are they creating, what does it look like when people come in, how are people treated when they walk through the door,” she said.
Downtown Elmhurst businesses spent June 1 decorating their storefront with Pride paintings, and quotes of inclusivity and encouragement.
“What could be more empowering than sharing your heart and love and positivity and being open and welcoming with one another,” said Jennifer Blanchette, owner of boutique store Maxine.
When asked why it was important to physically display support during pride month, Wargin told NBC 5 it’s to ensure the community feels included.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people in the community that when they walk through a door and they see the window painting … they know this is a business where they can feel safe,” she said.
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