PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — June is Pride Month and some of the most influential names in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community got the party started Tuesday in Center City.
For the fifth year in a row, the Sofitel Philadelphia hotel at 17th and Sansom streets kicked off Pride Month by unveiling its official Pride flag.
Standing arm and arm under the 15-foot flag, community leaders spoke of pride, power and endurance.
“This is not just raising a flag, this is raising hope,” said Sheila Alexander-Reid, executive director of PHL Diversity. “This is not just a gay thing, this is an everybody thing.”
Jacen Bowman, ballroom legend and president of Philly Black Pride, said that point was especially true during the current heated political climate. “Pride is not just a celebration, it’s an act of protest. It’s a resistance,” he said.
“Pride is about bringing those people out of the darkness into the light and making sure they’re celebrating with their chosen families.”
The event was a who’s who of the Philadelphia area’s advocacy community, including Bowman, Alexander-Reid, City Councilmember Rue Landau, the Camden Pride Collective and drag queen Brittany Lynn, who hosted the event.
“The city is getting gayer and gayer every year and I hope people are ready for that,” said Lynn. “We’re not stepping back. We’re moving forward.”
Philly Pride 365 has an entire month of events scheduled, including the Pride March and Festival on June 7, beginning in the Gayborhood and traveling to the Ben Franklin Parkway.
“I am so proud to celebrate Pride with all of you,” said Philly Pride 365 head Tyrell Brown, who added that this year’s festival will feature iconic Philly singer Patti LaBelle, “celebrating her and honoring her legacy.”
