Community pushing back against anti-trans bills during Pride Month in Greenfield

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 06-05-2023 5:43 PM

GREENFIELD — Mayor Roxann Wedegartner declared June to be Pride Month in the city, following a ceremony on Friday afternoon that raised the Pride flag on the Greenfield Common.

With this year marking the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City, Franklin County Pride board member Jake Krain said the country has made great progress since then, but that progress is being threatened by a wave of anti-transgender legislation being introduced across the U.S.

“We have come a long way in 54 years. Pride parades are a celebratory gathering, but make no mistake, as we celebrate Pride on June 10 and throughout the month, we are protesting,” Krain said, mentioning the more than 500 anti-transgender bills have been filed nationwide. “They seek to rob us of our joy and vibrancy, and they come with life-threatening consequences.”

With that in mind, Krain said this year’s Pride theme is “United,” as it takes the LGBTQ community and allies to ensure these bills are stopped in their tracks.

“We cannot do this alone,” Krain said. “We need each and every one of you to join us and take action.”

In her proclamation of Pride Month, Wedegartner also referenced the wave of anti-transgender legislation and said communities like Greenfield can take action.

“Though advancements have been made toward equitable treatment, rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people throughout the nation and around the world, it is important for cities like Greenfield to stand up and show support for those affected,” she said, encouraging “all community residents to eliminate prejudice wherever it exists and to celebrate our great diversity by taking part in community events throughout June, which focus on and celebrate our LGBTQ+ neighbors.”

The flag raising comes just over a week before the June 10 Pride parade, which will begin at the Greenfield Middle School at noon and will end at Energy Park, where a rally will follow. Speakers at the rally, which will take place in Energy Park from 1 to 3:30 p.m., will include state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern.

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Additionally, Krain said Franklin County Pride is asking businesses to decorate their windows and storefronts with rainbows and Pride-themed decorations ahead of the parade.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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