Community Corner
Salem Shows Up In Solidarity With LGBTQ+ Community
In one of the first open municipal ceremonies since the start of the coronavirus crisis, there was a big turnout for the 2021 flag-raising.
SALEM, MA —Days after the state lifted remaining coronavirus gathering restrictions, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll called the turnout for Thursday's Pride flag-raising the biggest for that even in city history.
The city invited all North Shore residents to the 11 a.m. ceremony, which included a donation of flags from MainVest, a small business investment platform based in Salem, and a speaking program behind Salem resident and LGBTQ+ activist Gary "Gigi" Gill.
"We are committed to ensuring Salem is an inclusive and welcoming city for all, including our LGBTQ+ friends, family and visitors," Driscoll posted on social media. "Proud to live in and lead a city that recognizes our diversity is one of our greatest strengths."
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U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, State Sen. Joan Lovely and State Rep. Paul Tucker were among those who attended the Riley Plaza event.
Today, I helped kick off Pride Month with @MayorDriscoll and Queen of Salem Gigi Gill at a flag raising ceremony. I am with you, and I will keep fighting for equality. Happy #Pride! pic.twitter.com/LbE5zVlEz6
— TeamMoulton (@teammoulton) June 3, 2021
"I am with you, and I will keep fighting for equality," Moulton posted on his social media.
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Great #NorthShorePride flag raising in #SalemMA this morning with @MayorDriscoll @teammoulton @PaulTuckerSalem & many community members. It is always wonderful to see the flags on display at Riley Plaza during #PrideMonth. #NorthShoreMA pic.twitter.com/F5bCmTlJY9
— Sen. Joan B. Lovely (@SenJoanLovely) June 3, 2021
The ceremony came one day after Salem Public Schools held their events recognizing Pride month wear students and faculty were invited to wear Pride colors.
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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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