Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Evan Glass and other Councilmembers joined together this week to commemorate June as Pride Month in Montgomery County by raising the Progress Pride Flag outside of the Executive Office Building in Rockville.
Since 2019, Councilmember Glass has led the annual commemoration and organized numerous community events to promote acceptance and inclusion across the community.
“Our LGBTQ+ residents of Montgomery County are woven within the fabric of who we are as a County,” said County Executive Elrich. “I am proud of our County’s progress on ensuring equity for our LBGTQ+ community; but we still have more work to do to reduce hate, bigotry and discrimination. I wish our LGBTQ+ community a joyous Pride Month celebration and look forward attending events throughout this month that will honor their contributions as we recommit ourselves to create a more equitable future for generations to come.”
Councilmember Glass said: “For this year’s flag raising, we will be flying the Progress flag, which includes colors and stripes to highlight trans individuals and communities of color –– for whom much progress remains to be made. There are a wide range of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, and as we have witnessed racial violence across the country, it’s more important than ever to create positive change for all of us, not some of us. The LGBTQ+ rights movement has made tremendous strides over the past few decades, but there remains much more work to do. I believe that by bringing us all together, we can continue marching toward progress and healing.”
Council President Tom Hucker said: "While we're celebrating Pride Month, it's not enough to make sure all our residents feel welcome, valued and safe. After a year that has exacerbated existing health and employment disparities, we have an opportunity now to stand together with our neighbors and LGBTQ community members and double down on our commitment to equity and social justice. Together, we can better protect our LGBTQ+ residents, but it will take all of us embracing our community and using our voices to make a difference."
View video of the flag raising event here.
Council President Tom Hucker said: "While we're celebrating Pride Month, it's not enough to make sure all our residents feel welcome, valued and safe. After a year that has exacerbated existing health and employment disparities, we have an opportunity now to stand together with our neighbors and LGBTQ community members and double down on our commitment to equity and social justice. Together, we can better protect our LGBTQ+ residents, but it will take all of us embracing our community and using our voices to make a difference."
View video of the flag raising event here.