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Pride Month Speakers and Flag Raising at Town Hall Draws Over 200 People

Over 200 people gathered at the Town Hall on Sunday, June 5 to mark June as Pride Month. The event included a Proclamation by First Selectman Fred Camillo and a flag raising.

By Anne White

On Sunday June 5, more than 200 Greenwich residents gathered to honor Pride Month and express their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Event organizer Allison Kahn was clear about the day’s objectives: “The hope is for celebration and community. And that’s what we have today, which is just a beautiful thing. Everybody coming together,” she said. The crowd, amid f lags and ribbons, listened to speaker after speaker share messages of acceptance and love.

State Senator Ryan Fazio began the event with a speech emphasizing the importance of promoting acceptance, freedom, and equality in society. He noted the “rapid and quickest change in attitudes and acceptance toward the LGBTQ+ community” that his generation — millennials — had witnessed. Despite these positive changes, Fazio stressed that the U.S. must not overlook the continuing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. He referenced recent homophobic legislation passed in other countries that, in some cases, mandate the death penalty.

First Selectman Fred Camillo wrapped up the speaking portion of the event with personal remarks and the reading of the Pride Month proclamation. Camillo explained that the gathering was “not just to come here and celebrate diversity and freedom” but also “to remember that acceptance, tolerance, and freedom are part of an ongoing process.”

“Great progress has been made,” Camillo acknowledged, “but I think the goal is to do this until this is no longer needed. That’s the goal, to be here for other things, that this is put in the rear-view mirror. But as we’ve heard, and as Fazio mentioned, it’s not so much like this around the globe. So celebrating progress is great, but we always have to keep an eye on the future and what’s right in front of us.”

Various elected representatives and religious leaders spoke between Fazio and Camillo. This included State Representative Hector Arzeno who pledged to work “so that everyone has equal access to healthcare, education and the same employment opportunities.”

State Representative Rachel Khanna, who described herself as a parent of an LGBTQ+ child, pledged her unwavering commitment to the community, saying, “I look forward to a future where my daughter enjoys the same rights and freedoms no matter where she goes, what she chooses to do or who she chooses to be with.”

State Representative Stephen Meskers gave an historical perspective, recalling the struggle for civil rights in the U.S. He mentioned the Stonewall riots of 1969 as the beginning of the fight for “equal rights, respect and equal treatment for the LGBTQ+ community; a fight that continues today.” Meskers acknowledged the ongoing battle against intolerance and the commitment to uphold everyone’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

In a unique and well-received gesture, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin recited lyrics from Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” to commemorate the occasion and express her support. “I believe the children are the future,” she read. “Teach them well and let them lead the way. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier.”

Janet Stone McGuigan expressed heartfelt gratitude to those promoting love and combating hate. Reverend Cheryl McFadden of Christ Church and Rabbi Kevin Peters of Temple Sholom invoked their faiths’ teachings to convey messages of acceptance, love, and the dignity of every human being.

McFadden reminded attendees that the Episcopal faith “has been inclusive since 2003 when we first consecrated an openly gay bishop.” She prayed, “Let us continue striving towards unity, harmony, and a bountiful compassion, remembering that we are all created in God’s image – worthy, magnificent, and loved.”

Rabbi Peters discussed the concept of pride, explaining , “Many of us are familiar with the verse in Proverbs which says pride goes before a fall. And you can understand that because the pride that the Bible is speaking of is one of ego inflation, one of haughtiness, one that edges God out. But that’s not what’s going on here today. We’re celebrating a kind of pride that allows one to hold one’s head up high with dignity, to feel that they belong.”

First Selectman Fred Camillo then read the proclamation declaring June 2023 as Pride Month in Greenwich. The proclamation affirmed the town’s support for every citizen’s right to freedom from discrimination and celebrated the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the town’s cultural, civic, and economic successes. Reflecting on the event in relation to her role, Town Clerk Jackie Budkins said she has seen “firsthand the diversity and strength of love in our community.” She added, “In my office, we issue marriage licenses and have officiated many civil unions. I’ve been privileged to witness a broad spectrum of love and commitment. These events, like today’s, are significant because they send a strong message of unity, acceptance, and love. We are not just separate entities living in the same town; we are all part of one community that is, hopefully, accepting and loving. And it’s beautiful to see that community demonstrating acceptance and love in full force today.”

Joe Kelly, Board of Education Chair and event attendee, remarked, “As educators, we try to ensure that every individual, regardless of their identity, feels safe, respected, and valued. This event is a great demonstration of inclusivity, reminding us of our responsibility to accept people for who they are. It seems to look forward to a world where acceptance is the norm, not an exception.”

After the event, we asked organizer Allison Kahn about her goals for the event. She responded, “In essence, we’re working towards the day when events like this aren’t necessary, when the LGBTQ+ community is treated just like everyone else, as Fred Camillo rightly put it. We want to get to a place where we don’t need to fight for equality because it’s already there. However, as we strive for that future, days like this serve as both a celebration of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the work still to be done. We’re creating a sense of community, unity, and understanding that extends beyond this event. And that’s what makes days like today truly beautiful.”

After the speaking portion of the event was concluded, a flag was raised and there were opportunities for free ice cream and art activities.

Canvas art displayed during the event.
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