ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara read a proclamation Tuesday at City Hall proclaiming the city’s recognition and support of Pride Month.
“This recognition is absolutely critical when you consider these individuals have lived in the shadows decades,” he said. “They have been subject to discrimination, prejudice, marginalization and downright hatred simply for wanting to proclaim their love for others.”
The mayor said Rockford is welcoming to all, and the city’s strength lies in its diversity.
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Pride Month is a celebration of 52 years since the Stonewall Riots in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The June 28,1969, police raid of a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn sparked the gay rights movement. The month is also an acknowledgement of the work that still needs to be done in order to achieve equality for all LGBTQ Americans.
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community throughout the nation’s history.
In 2019, McNamara became the first mayor in Rockford’s history to provide a Pride Month proclamation.
Chris Greenwood, a member of the city’s human relations department, joined the mayor in the reading of the proclamation.
He cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which identified suicide as one of the leading causes of death among youths and young adults ages 10 to 24.
“That is not acceptable,” he said.
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He added, “For me, LGBT visibility is important because people can see hope in the future where they couldn’t before. Young boys and girls, when they see an out and proud firefighter or police officer or politician, they can say, ‘Hey. I can do that. I can stand proud. I can be one of them.'”
Brian Finn, co-owner of The Office Nightclub, 513 E. State St., said the proclamation was a “big deal” two years ago and remains so today.
“We feel heard and acknowledged,” he said of the proclamation. “We are very fortunate to have the unwavering support of the office of the mayor, the city of Rockford and all its departments.”
The public is invited to attend The Office’s Pride Alley Party from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The free event will feature five food trucks, 32 vendors, guest speakers and live entertainment.
Chris Green: cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
