THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 26, 2020 Page 7 Everett celebrates first gay pride flag raising By Christopher Roberson F or the first time in the city’s history, the rainbow-colored flag representing the LGBTQ community was recently hoisted above Church Street in recognition of Pride Month. “Everett is a melting pot of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria during the June 22 ceremony outside City Hall, adding that the first Pride Flag was raised in San Francisco 42 years ago. “In Everett, everyone is accepted, welcomed and at home.” He also called attention to the 6-3 ruling – handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 15, 2020 – that makes it unlawful for an employer to terminate an employee based on their sexual orientation. “This ruling was long overdue, LGBTQ rights are human rights,” said DeMaria. Ward 5 School Committee Member Marcony Almeida-Barros said he is Everett’s first gay elected official. “I moved from Brazil to Everett and met my Everett-born husband at Everett City Hall,” he said. Almeida-Barros also spoke about the Stonewall riots that State Senator Sal DiDomenico (Advocate Photos by Christopher Roberson) Ward 5 School Committee Member Marcony Almeida-Barros The LGBTQ Pride flaps in the breeze above Church Street next to City Hall. broke out on June 28, 1969, during a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village. He said it was that series of events that ultimately led to the Gay Rights Movement. “Discrimination has no place anywhere in our country,” he said. In addition, Almeida-Barros shared his message for the youths of the LGBTQ community: “Be proud of who you are, don’t let anyone tell you you’re not important – you are.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico recalled sponsoring the Transgender Equal Rights Act in 2011, saying it was a major piece of legislation at the time. Although passing the Act was a substantial accomplishment, Mayor Carlo DeMaria State Representative Joseph McGonagle DiDomenico said there is still more to be done. “Not everyone feels safe being who they are,” he said. State Representative Joseph McGonagle spoke about the significance of having the Pride Flag in Everett. “Each time we pass by this flag, we can look up and see how important it is,” he said. Facebook.com/ EverettCulturalCouncil https://ARCG.IS/1MESGI
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