By Theresa Knapp

More than 100 people attended the flag raising of eight Pride Flags on June 4.

The flags flew on poles along Route 109, between Lincoln and Evergreen Streets, for a week in honor of Pride Month. 

Residents Andrea Moores and Cyndy Ellis had petitioned the Medway Select Board in April to raise the flags. At the June event, Moores said, “The Pride flag is not just a celebration of identity but also an indication of allyship, safe spaces, of unity amid divisiveness, community and togetherness. When members of the LGBTQ+ community see these flags flying, they will know they are seen, safe, celebrated and loved here in our community. Our hope is that this event will kick off annual Pride celebrations in Medway for many years to come.”

 

Co-organizer Ellis thanked several town officials and community members for their help in making the event happen. Additional speeches were made by Select Board member Glenn Trindade on behalf of the board; Maggie Conners, Student President of the MHS Gay/Straight Alliance; and Olivia Moores, Medway Middle School GSA Advisor.

The event was followed by a celebration at Choate Park that included various activities such as a Pride selfie photo booth, rainbow bead bracelet/necklace making, Pride flag coloring pages, and a post-it comment board where people reflected on why the flags were important to them.

After the event, Moores said, “To see so many people come out and support this event was amazing. It confirmed the importance of the flags and the impact they have. I am overwhelmed by all of the messages of love and support I have received since the event. So many people have thanked me and Cyndy for our efforts because seeing those flags fly will make a difference for them and their families -- that is the icing on the cake and why I continue to advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community. It matters.”