To signify the beginning of Pride month, members of Reading Pride Celebration, along with residents and local elected officials gathered in front of West Reading Borough Hall to raise the Pride flag.
“It’s an honor to see so many of you here today celebrating diversity and inclusivity in our community. Today we raise the Pride flag as a symbol of our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity” said West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag.
The ceremony is the kickoff of a 30 day line-up of local Pride events across Berks County throughout the month of June, including the first Pride March and Rally in downtown Reading, LGBTQ+ Art Showcase, Bus Trip to NYC Pride and more. A full list of events can be found at: readingpridecelebration.org/events
“Every hateful attack against our trans and drag community, our community knows how to come together. We know how to show love. We know how to be proud and come together with not just our own community, but also the allies” said Enrique Castro, President of Reading Pride Celebration.
Before raising the flag, West Reading Borough Council shared news of their vote last month to adopt a nondiscrimination resolution to support diversity and inclusion for residents, business owners, employees and visitors.
“West Reading, which is a community so richly diverse and as an example to our neighbors in Berks County. West Reading Borough Council believes it’s important to say what we believe all people deserve. Equity. Inclusion. Dignity. Respect and tolerance. We decided rather than just say it, we would put it in writing. By a unanimous vote, we adopted a nondiscrimination resolution on May 17th” said Councilwomen Denise Drobnick.
Next month, Reading Pride Celebration will hold its 17th annual Festival on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 11am to 6pm at Jim Dietrich Park.
