Pride flags fly over Vancouver in June
June 1, 2022
Press Release Date:
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Starting today, Pride flags will begin to fly outside Vancouver City Hall and other City facilities during the month of June as a symbol of the City’s commitment to celebrating and supporting all of our community members and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) across the City.
This is the first time Pride flags are flying at City-owned facilities, and on Monday, June 6, Vancouver City Council will present an LGBTQ+ Pride Month proclamation to Vancouver USA Pride.
“Even as we strive for greater acceptance and equality here in Vancouver, the LGBTQ+ community continues facing legislative and hateful attacks across the country,” said City Manager Eric Holmes. “Now more than ever, it is important for communities like Vancouver to be loud and proud and to show other cities and states that acceptance and inclusion—rather than discrimination and exclusion—make our communities stronger.”
Every year, the month of June is recognized as Pride Month to honor the contributions to society made by the entire LGBTQ+ community, and observing it is just one of several significant steps the City is taking to support equity for residents and employees. The City hired its first DEI Director in 2021 and has since developed its first Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and DEI training for employees.
“Despite progress, LGBTQ+ communities are still targeted by heterosexism and transphobia,” said Vancouver DEI Director Alicia Sojourner. “Across the nation and within the City of Vancouver, the LGBTQ+ community still face unacceptable levels of discrimination and violence, especially youth, people of color and disabled LGBTQ+ community members, so we must remain vigilant and push back against those who seek to roll back our progress.”
Local opportunities to celebrate Pride Month include:
- Clark County Historical Museum’s Speaker Series: LGBTQ+ Then and Now 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2 at 1511 Main St.
- Second Annual Rainbow Walk 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4 in La Center
- Pride Block Party with Summer of Pride Clark County and Dandelion Teahouse 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11 Street from Main to Washington
- Vancouver Saturday in the Park Pride 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9 at Esther Short Park
CONTACT: Laura Shepard, Communications Director, (360) 624-0747, laura.shepard@cityofvancouver.us