Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026 CELEBRATES | FROM Page 1 “Steve Morabito has dedicated his life to serving the people of Revere with compassion, courage, and integrity. As a trailblazer and advocate, he has helped make our community more welcoming and inclusive for all. I am proud to recognize Steve with this inaugural Commonwealth Pride Award and grateful for the lasting impact he continues to have on our city and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere). “Working alongside Steve has always been a source of pride—but this month, we celebrate not just his work, but his courage, authenticity, and strength he brings every single day. Steve makes our workplace better simply by being exactly what our community should represent,” said City of Revere Mayor, Patrick M. Keefe Jr. “When you spend much of your life serving others and helping your community, you rarely stop to think about recognition. That is why this honor is especially meaningful to me. As someone born and raised in Revere, I have had the privilege of serving the city that shaped me. Being the fi rst openly gay “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated elected offi cial in our city’s history is something I have always viewed not as a personal milestone, but as a sign of how far our community has come. Public service has always been about bringing people together, listening, and making sure everyone feels they have a place in our community. I hope this recognition serves as a reminder that leadership is rooted in service and that by opening doors for others, we build stronger and more welcoming communities. I am grateful to Rep. Jessica Giannino for this recognition and proud of the progress we have made together. My hope is that future generations grow up knowing they belong and that there is no limit to what they can achieve,” said Steven Morabito. Stephen “Steve” Morabito has been a trailblazer, advocate, and public servant in the City of Revere for decades. A longtime Revere City Councilor and current Director of the City of Revere’s Offi ce of Engagement, Inclusion, and Culture, Steve has dedicated his life to public service and to making his community more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable for all. At a time when few people felt safe living openly as members of the LGBTQ+ community, Steve chose courage. He came out publicly long before conversations around LGBTQ+ rights and representation became more accepted or commonplace. In doing so, he faced adversity, discrimination, and personal threats, yet he remained steadfast in who he was and in his commitment to serving the people of Revere with integrity and compassion. Steve’s visibility and leadership helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals to live more openly and authentically in their communities. Through both his advocacy and his example, he broke barriers and opened doors for others to follow, helping to foster a more inclusive environment within local government and beyond. Throughout his career, Steve has been a champion for diversity, civic engagement, and equal opportunity. In his current role leading Revere’s Offi ce of Engagement, Inclusion, and Culture, he continues to strengthen connections across the community while ensuring that all residents feel seen, valued, and represented. For his courage, leadership, advocacy, and lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the City of Revere, Stephen Morabito is deeply deserving of recognition as a recipient of the 2026 Commonwealth Pride Award: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill. “We are proud to recognize all of the incredible LGBTQ+ leaders who make Massachusetts stronger every day. Here in Massachusetts, we’ve been leading the nation in the fi ght for freedom over generations. It began 251 years ago when we started a revolution that spearheaded our nation’s democracy and has continued as the state that led on abolition, women’s rights, Civil Rights, and LGBTQ+ rights,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Today, we’re proud to be the state at the forefront of our nation’s freedoms and we will continue to ensure that Massachusetts remains a safe and welcoming place for all. We’re grateful to the LGBTQ+ Caucus for recognizing the impact of our state’s LGBTQ+ trailblazers and off er a deep congratulations to the inaugural group of Commonwealth Pride awardees!” “Among this year’s inaugural honorees are leaders representing countless professions, backgrounds, and experiences, but who share a common commitment: making their communities more welcoming, more inclusive, and more vibrant,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Together, they are the epitome of excellence and we’re thankful for what they contribute to our state. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and happy Pride!” The Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, made up of the Commonwealth’s LGBTQ+ legislators, advocates for legislation relating to LGBTQ+ issues, provides networking and professional support for members, and commemorates the storied history of LGBTQ+ political advocacy in Massachusetts. Recent wins include expanding access to HIV-prevention services, protecting privacy in legal name changes, ensuring protections for LGBTQ+ students and seniors, and legislation safeguarding legal parentage for adoptive and other families under the Parentage Act. Massachusetts has long served as a nationwide leader for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. In 2004, it became the first state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Massachusetts became the fi rst state in the country to support transgender protections through popular vote in 2018. It consistently ranks highly among U.S. states and territories in LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance.
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