Geneva Mayor declares June to be Pride Month

GENEVA – Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns declared June to be LGBTQ+ Pride Month at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The proclamation states that the city will observe Pride Month with a flag raising ceremony “to honor the history of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement and to support the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination.”

The proclamation recognizes the rainbow flag is as a symbol of pride, inclusion, and support for social movements that advocate for LGBTQ+ people in society, and states that, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. LGBTQ+ individuals have had immeasurable impact to the cultural, civic and economic successes of our country.”

The proclamation states that the city “is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people in our diverse community,” and that celebrating Pride Month is an opportunity to strengthen alliances and build acceptance.

“While society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ+ equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice,” the proclamation states.

The city will fly “the Pride Flag at City Hall in solidarity and recognizes all LGBTQ+ residents who influential and lasting contributions to our neighborhoods make Geneva, Illinois a vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and raise a family.”

Resident Lindsey McCall thanked the city for the proclamation.

“I do want to encourage you to all proclaim June as pride month in Geneva,” McCall said.

“I’m (a) member … of lots of other community groups and social media and I know sometimes there’s lots of backlash. But my sister – who is also my best friend – is a lesbian,” McCall said. “And she moved from the big city to Geneva and it’s not always easy for her here. And so I think making these steps to include her in this community – to wave the rainbow flag at City Hall – is huge for us and I appreciate it.”