Flag-raising at City Hall marks start of Pride Month (photos)

Lancaster Pride Festival Director Craig Kazda raises the Pride flag in front of Lancaster City Hall on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Photo: Tim Stuhldreher)

Members and allies of Lancaster's LGBTQ+ community gathered at City Hall at noon Monday to raise the Pride flag, recognizing June as National Pride Month.

The ceremony shows that "hate has no home in Lancaster County," said Tiffany Shirley, president of the nonprofit Lancaster Pride.

"I just feel so honored that we're able to do this every single year," she said.

It's been a tough time for the LGBTQ+ community "here in Lancaster and across the country," Mayor Danene Sorace said. She urged the gathering to "continue to use your voices" in advocacy and pledged: "We're going to continue to lead."

Said Shirley: "When we show up in numbers, we show everybody that we count, we matter and we deserve to be here."

Joining the mayor in representing city government were Council President Amanda Bakay and council members Ahmed Ahmed, Jaime Arroyo and John Hursh.

Lancaster Pride is planning a robust roster of events this month. The flagship is the Lancaster Pride Festival, taking place from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

Added to the festival this year is the "Our Streets Are Open" street fair, taking place in the first block of East Vine Street just south of the convention center. It will be closed to traffic in order to host a performance stage, food trucks, games and a vendor area.

Being outside is a big deal, festival director Craig Kazda said, because it sends a message.

"It's important from a symbolic standpoint that we are able to be back in the streets, out for the public to see us, out for our voices to be heard."

Kazda noted the festival's entrance will be at the corner of Vine and South Queen streets, and that security measures will be in place, including enforcement of a strict bag policy.

For more information and tickets, visit Lancaster Pride's website.

Lititz Chooses Love, meanwhile, is preparing for its flagship event, the annual Lititz Pride Festival. It is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Lititz Springs Park.

Photos

Mayor Danene Sorace chats with Lancaster Pride representatives before the flag-raising.

Lancaster Pride President Tiffany Shirley, foreground, speaks to the crowd as Mayor Danene Sorace looks on.

Lancaster Pride President Tiffany Shirley offers a few comments, flanked by Mayor Danene Sorace, left, and Lancaster Pride Marketing Director Lindsey Key.