Revere celebrates Pride Month with City Hall flag raising ceremony

By Barbara Taormina

Revere marked the start of Pride Month on June 1 with cotton candy, oranges and the raising of the Pride flag at City Hall. The flag raising ceremony was organized by Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito and City Hall staff. Organizers assembled a panel of elected officials and LGBTQIA advocates to share personal and political comments about the meaning of the flag and their support for the LGBTQIA community.

“Pride month is a time when we come together to recognize diversity, equality and acceptance for all,” said Morabito, who, as master of ceremonies, introduced fellow Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo and Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe.

“Pride month is a reminder our remarkable diversity is a gift,” said Rizzo. “Also, it’s a time we celebrate the progress that’s been made protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community,” said Rizzo, adding that it’s also a time to reaffirm the commitment to protecting those rights.

Keefe spoke about change that the community needs to accept and understand. “The way Revere has evolved to be a more open and inclusive environment makes me proud to be a Revere resident,” said Keefe, adding that Revere residents raise their families with the right values and tolerance.

Like other speakers, State Rep. Jessica Giannino praised Morabito for bringing events like the pride flag raising to Revere and for being a role model for young gay residents. “This flag is a beacon of love, acceptance and unity,” said Giannino. “We reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQAI community. But it’s not just a celebration. The fight for equality is far from over. We are standing up against any form of discrimination.”

Giannino said the Pride flag should serve as a reminder that everyone is free to love and be loved. “Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes Revere beautiful,” she said.

State Senator Lydia Edwards echoed Giannino’s comments about remaining vigilant against all forms of discrimination. “I’m excited to promote Pride and use it as a reminder for everyone to have respect and love for one another,” she said.

Revere resident Jesús García Mota, a community organizer for the Latino community, spoke about the need to ensure equitable opportunities. “We need to be kind to each other and embrace our diversity,” he said. “We need to dedicate ourselves to the mission of acceptance.”

Revere Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erica Porzio called Pride Month a celebration of history. “It’s a time for us to honor the courageous resistance, resilience and fearlessness of those who fought tirelessly for the equal rights of all,” said Porzio.

But Porzio said the fight is “still on.” “Living your truth is still very much a difficult feat in this world,” she said, adding that gay youth face bullying and harassment every day. “We deserve to have our truth; we deserve to be our authentic selves.”

Dallas Ducar of Transhealth spoke briefly about the challenges of providing primary and gender affirming healthcare to those in need.

With temperatures hitting close to 90 degrees on City Hall Plaza, it was a relief when Morabito led a countdown to the raising of the Pride flag. With the city’s fourth annual Pride flag raising, the Pride celebration moves from an event to an established Revere tradition.

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