On Thursday, June 14, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined members of the City’s LGBTQ community to raise the rainbow flag at The Bronx County Building.
The flag-raising event, which recognized both this month’s LGBTQ Pride celebrations and the contributions the LGBTQ community has made to the ongoing success of both The Bronx and New York City, marked the first time ever that the rainbow flag had been raised at The Bronx County Building.
“Raising the rainbow flag at The Bronx County Building is a rather historic moment for us, showing everyone that we support our Bronx LGBTQ community as they have supported us in the past,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We celebrate our diversity in The Bronx, we celebrate acceptance, and for us, this is yet another way to show our support to the LGBTQ community, especially during Pride Month. At a time when the Trump administration seems determined to erode our rights and the courts are taking steps backward when it comes to equality, it is perhaps more important than ever to show that The Bronx loves, supports and embraces its LGBTQ community.”
“Raising the Pride Flag in The Bronx is a major milestone in our borough’s history,” said Michael Brady, Executive Director of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District and Co-Chair of the Bronx LGBTQ Caucus. “It is more than simply raising a flag. Today, The Bronx is publicly saying we recognize, accept, and acknowledge you and your struggles and will stand by you, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure that The Bronx will work to end homophobia and transphobia, provide a home, safe space, and holistic service model for the Bronx LGBTQ community, and to advocate for equity. During a time when the rights of the LGBTQ community are under constant threat by the federal government and when the great strides of individuals like Edie Windsor, Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera are consistently challenged, we must come together as one to advocate and rally; remembering our past and fighting for our future. People in our community and other communities of color experience treatment emulated by our leaders and institutions.”
Borough President Diaz will host the borough’s celebration of LGBTQ Pride on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Billy’s Sports Bar, 856 River Avenue, The Bronx, at 6:00 p.m. More information about that event can be found at http://bronxbplgbtpride.splashthat.com.