It’s customary for the City of Utica to raise the Bosnian, Polish and Irish flags, complete with a ceremony, each year to honor those communities’ pride in their heritage.
On Friday, the city added another flag to its annual rotation: the LGBTQ Pride flag. The flag, flown in recognition of Pride Month, was raised before a collection of community members and local dignitaries including Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri Councilperson Celeste Friend and former Congressman Anthony Brindisi.
Deputy City Clerk David Butler was the primary speaker at the ceremony, which was held at the Hanna Stage in front of City Hall. The first-time flying of the Pride flag was meaningful to Butler.
“It makes me, as a queer person and lifelong resident of Utica, feel seen and welcome in my own city,” Butler said. “Something I couldn’t always say when I was growing up here.”
The city plans to work with organizers for a Pride Event in Utica next June, according to a statement from Palmieri. There also will be a team from city hall at next year’s ACR Health AIDS Walk.
For now, the flag-raising serves as a reminder that symbols matter, Butler said.
“The raising of this flag here, at our city hall, right beside the red, white and blue, is a powerful and declarative symbol unto itself — one of communal and institutional visibility,” Butler said. “It’s an acknowledgement that you see me as I am, a queer person and a caring neighbor and a fellow patriot.”
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Palmieri said the city raises flags for other groups, and it’s important residents take pride in the city, love each other and be who they are.
“We are all one,” he said. “We are a great community and at the end of the day, all I’m looking for is to make our city better.”
The event featured free coffee provided by Character Coffee and cupcakes from Wisk Baking Company.
Steve Howe is the city reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. For unlimited access to his stories, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email Steve Howe at showe@gannett.com.
