Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 First gay pride flag raised at City Hall during Pride Month Mayor Brian Arrigo said Revere has always been a city with diff erent cultures, including but not limited to the LGBTQ+ community By Tara Vocino I n honor of Pride Month, the city’s fi rst annual intersectional rainbow fl ag was raised in front of City Hall. The motion to raise the fl ag was brought to the City Council by Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito and approved by MayThe American and unity fl ag before they were raised The unity and American fl ags fl y together in the wind. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) or Brian Arrigo in March. The Unity fl ag that was raised includes two additional black and brown stripes as well as colors of the Trans fl ag, reflecting an intersectional approach to this year’s pride. “I want young people who aren’t out yet to say it’s okay while seeing this fl ag,” said Morabito, who identifi es himself as gay. “I was in the closet pretending to be someone else, and it’s a very lonely place.” Mayor Brian Arrigo said the past few weeks have been a time for listening, introspection and commitment to action, as they work together as a city to address and overcome the injustices faced by marginalized communities. “I was proud to see 500+ youth march down the street last week against racial injustice,” Morabito added. On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a mass shooting inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Florida. During the ceremony, Morabito held a moment of silence for the victims. Lesbian/Gay/Bi and Transsexual youths seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youths, he added. From left to right are School Committee Member Michael Ferrante, School Committee Member Anthony D’Ambrosio and School Committee Chairman Mayor Brian Arrigo, Richard Bosworth, event organizer Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito and School Committee Members Stacey Rizzo and Susan Gravellese. School Committee Member Anthony D’Ambrosio, School Committee Member Michael Ferrante, Mayor Brian Arrigo, Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto, event organizer Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito, Police Captain Amy O’Hara, School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo and Revere’s Healthy Community Initiatives Director, Dimple Rana. Richard Bosworth and his partner Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito are pictured with event guests From left to right are Councillor-at-Large Jessica Giannino, who is a State Representative candidate, Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti, Open Space Program Coordinator Elle Baker, Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto and Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso – some wearing gay pride masks. Boston Teachers Union Local 66 endorses Gravellese for State Rep T he Boston Teachers Union (BTU) Local 66 has endorsed Joe Gravellese for State Representative in the 16th Suffolk District (Revere, Chelsea, Saugus). Gravellese is a candidate in the Democratic primary election on September 1. The BTU represents over 10,000 teachers, school nurses, guidance counselors, and other public education professionals. “The Boston Teachers Union is proud to endorse Joe Gravellese to represent Suffolk’s 16th,” said BTU President Jessica Tang. “Joe has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring every child has access to a wellrounded, high-quality public education, and tackling the inequities that prevent many students from reaching their full potential. He understands that top-down policies and privatization harm those they are supposed to help.” “I’m grateful for the support of the hardworking educators of the Boston Teachers Union,” said Gravellese, a 2006 graduate of Revere High School. “In my campaign, I’ve advocated for policies our students and educators need to thrive. Alongside the BTU, we’ll fi ght to ensure funding for arts, music, and the humanities; break down inequities in access to education; and invest in the future of all students.” Voters can learn more about the campaign, including its platform for education, at www. joegrav.com.
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