Boston kicks off Pride Month with flag raising ceremony

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosted a flag raising ceremony Monday to celebrate the start of Pride Month.

"[Pride Month] is an opportunity to reflect on the long and revolutionary history of Pride and the struggle that brought us to this moment," said Wu. "It has been a struggle firmly rooted in love and justice and one that has blossomed into some of the most important moments throughout our history."

Wu said that in the 1980s, legislation was passed that made it illegal to discriminate against someone because of who they love — decades before many other communities did.

She added that 20 years ago last month, Boston became one of the first cities in the country to issue same-sex marriage licenses — "another win that was only possible because of the work of our queer family, friends and neighbors building a movement."

"All of that continues today through our office of LGBTQ+ Advancement in partnership with residents, advocacy groups and nonprofits," she said.

Through this department, Boston became the first city in Massachusetts to make marriage licenses gender inclusive, according to Wu. LGBTQ+ Advancement has also "invested public dollars into lifesaving community infrastructure to lift up and empower our queer residents."

"We do this work because we know that for Boston to truly be a home for everyone, it needs to be inclusive of everyone," she said. "A space where our LGBTQ+ residents are seen, supported and celebrated."

This year marked the 37th pride flag raising in the city. It's a symbol of inclusivity for Adrianna Boulin, president of Boston Pride for the People.

"I who feel connected to that symbol or flag feels safe because I am represented here," Boulin explained.

For Julieanne Doherty Lee, showing pride, no matter the background or identity, is as important today as ever.

"There are over 500 anti-transgender legislation bills across the nation, including one here in Massachusetts. It is a time that we show up and we show out for our community," Lee said.

It's a notable year for pride in the Bay State, with a notable absence. Local LGBTQ+ rights icon Ann Maguire died in December. Maguire was remembered Monday as the person who founded the first pride flag raising in Boston.

Lakia Mondale, president of the Transgender Emergency Fund Board, said it's a time to celebrate progress from the way things were and where we would like them to be.

"Ten, 20 years ago, I would never told you I was trans. I would have held a job and would never said anything," Mondale explained. "As a trans woman of color it is very important to be seen and visible. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go."

Wu said the city is "excited" to celebrate the progress it has made throughout this month.

City Hall will be lit in rainbow colors for the majority of June, she said.

For a list of Pride events in Boston, visit boston.gov.