In 1978 Harvey Milk asked Gilbert Baker to design an all-encompassing symbol to take to the San Francisco’s Pride March. Bill Clinton was the first US president to officially recognize Pride Month in 1999 and again in 2000. Then, from 2009 to 2016, Barack Obama declared June LGBT Pride Month. In May 2019, Donald Trump launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, although he later rolled back nondiscrimination protections for those seeking nationally funded health and welfare programs.

Diversity and inclusion are very important to both our campaign and to us personally. There is no better way to embrace inclusion than Pride Month starting June 1.

Unfortunately, at the May 21 meeting, our town council voted against a resolution to install a community flagpole at our town library—a flagpole that was suggested by Mayor Giordano as a compromise for those who didn’t want the Pride flag flown next to the American and POW flags. The only vote in favor was by Nicole McNamara, the sole Democrat on the council.

Before the vote, Anthony met with the mayor where they had a positive and honest discussion surrounding the importance of having the Pride flag flown. The community flagpole at the library would have flown monthly flags included in the Library of Congress’s Commemorative Observances (https://www.loc.gov/…/commemorative-observations/index.php).

This would have allowed a true community experience and the library could have provided educational programs surrounding each of the month’s dedications.

We thank and appreciate Mayor Giordano for being open to the above idea but are extremely disappointed and confused with the five council members who voted against the resolution. We believe that hate has no home in our town. It is essential that we all have a seat at the table.

After the Council voted down flying the Pride flag, Amy approached the Board of Education to ask them to show their support and inclusivity. We want to thank the Waldwick School District and the Board of Education for supporting our efforts to have the Pride Flag raised here in town.

We are committed to creating a diverse community where all feel included and a sense of belonging. Throughout this month, you will notice posts where we will celebrate LGBTQ issues in observance of Pride Month.