Commissioners Winder and Makhija were joined by over 160 members of the community in the County’s largest Pride flag raising ceremony to date
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — More than 160 people joined Montgomery County officials today to kick off Pride Month with the County’s annual flag-raising event. The ceremony included invited speakers, a proclamation to mark the beginning of Pride month, and the special unveiling of part of a 1,000-foot Pride Flag on the Montgomery County Courthouse steps.
“This is us showing you — not just telling you — that we are making Montco a place where everyone feels welcome, where everyone has value, and where everyone can find happiness,” said Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
“We’re here, in public and proud, because we need to show up for our LBGTQ+ community friends and neighbors. I saw hundreds of hateful, ignorant, and disgusting comments on our County’s Facebook page about this flag raising event. So, when people ask why this event is even necessary — that’s why.”
In their remarks, the Commissioners highlighted the recent launch of Montgomery County’s first-ever Human Relations Commission, which offers a local pathway to support residents who have faced discrimination.
“At a time when we’re seeing federal executive orders that are targeting the community, that are being used for animosity and political gain, it’s never been more important for us at the local level to show that we reject that kind of politics — and that we stand up for the dignity of all people in our community,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. “That’s why we’re here in Montgomery County and why we’re raising the flag, to show that we’re standing up for community.”
“Pride does not exclude, it creates space. It calls on us to do better,” said Lori Schreiber, Montgomery County Clerk of Courts and the County’s first openly LGBTQ person elected to serve. “And here in Montgomery County, we have done better, as you just heard. Our County and local governments have chosen courage. We have more non-discrimination ordinances than other parts of the state.”
“We cannot celebrate Pride without also acknowledging the reality many people in our community are living every day,” said Morgan Selkirk, chair of Montgomery County’s Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs. “While our community is struggling, those of us here in Montgomery County are fortunate enough to live in a place that stands with us, a County that publicly rejects bigotry, hatred, and fear tactics.”
“Pride [is] about living openly and freely,” said Corinne Goodwin, executive director of Eastern PA Trans Equity. “It’s about celebrating each other. It’s about making sure that people who are striving to make their lives and their communities better places to live are affirmed each and every day.”
Jeremy Williams, COO of Philly Pride 365, closed the program with a note about the various Pride-related celebrations across the Greater Philadelphia area. He also led the Commissioners and participants in unfurling part of a 1,000-foot Pride Flag, was unveiled in full for the first time on June 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Independence Hall.
Also in attendance were Montgomery County row officers: Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, Register of Wills Tina Lawson, Coroner Dr. Janine Darby, Jury Commissioner Andrea Baptiste, Recorder of Deeds Jeanne Sorg, and Controller Bob Hart.
This year’s Pride Flag-Raising ceremony kicked off a series of events celebrating the County and the country’s diversity. On June 16 at 10 a.m., the County hosts its annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Event, on June 25 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the Immigrant Heritage Month Block Party returns for a second year, and on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the County is co-hosting the Montgomery County A250 Birthday Bash alongside the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.
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