TOLEDO — I can’t tell you what a relief it is to live in a community where local leaders still openly support diversity, equity and inclusion.
In a moment when DEI programs and LGBTQ+ rights are under attack in many places, it was encouraging to see Toledo’s mayor, city council members, county commissioners and community advocates come together for the 9th annual Pride flag raising.
I was proud to document the event and the people who showed up to celebrate a community that deserves to be seen, respected and welcomed. The Pride flag will now flap in the wind for the entire month of June!
Pride Month begins on June 1, and local leaders gathered outside One Government Center on May 29 to raise the Pride flag and celebrate the city’s commitment to its LGBTQ+ residents.
As a token of love and support from the city, everyone received a hand-held pride flag from Toledo councilman Nick Komives, who spearheaded the event.
“We do it for one solid reason: because Toledo is a welcoming place where we welcome all people. It doesn’t matter what your background is. We want you to thrive, we want you to live here and we want you to succeed.”
Featured speakers in this video are Komives, Toledo chief prosecutor Rebecca Facey and family attorney Cindy Kirby.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz reflected on the message behind the event, arguing that acceptance and compassion remain essential during a time of national division.
“I don’t know anyone who thinks that the problem we’re facing in the world right now is that there’s too much love,” Kapszukiewicz said. “In fact, it is just the opposite.”
Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken pointed to the region’s long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, noting that local governments have enacted policies supporting employees and their families for decades.
“We’re not new to this, we’re true to this,” Gerken said. “We don’t just talk about it. We don’t just raise our flag. We don’t celebrate for one day. We actually try to live by this concept of what we believe in.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities across the country, Gerken said local leaders remain committed to defending equality and inclusion.
“We’re not going backwards. We’re not backing down,” he said. “In this community, this county and this city, we’ll stand strong with love for each other.”
Gerken admitted he was mad because of the discriminatory climate in this country.
“I guarantee at some point today somebody's gonna be mad that we raised this flag on a government building,” he said. “And who knows, in a year or two, if not this year, this may be illegal. I don't think that would stop us.”
Other speakers included Lucas County commissioners Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez.
As the Pride flag rose above Government Center, hoisted by local chef Darrell Perkins and assisted by police officer Bill White, attendees applauded, marking the start of a month dedicated to visibility, acceptance and the continuing pursuit of equal rights.
Toledo Pride Celebration
Pride Month is observed each June to honor the LGBTQ+ community and commemorate the struggle for equal rights, while also celebrating the diversity and contributions of LGBTQ+ people.
While the nation celebrates Pride month throughout the month, Toledo Pride will hold its celebration Aug. 14-16 at Promenade Park in Downtown Toledo.
For a complete schedule of Toledo Pride events, go HERE.
The tradition traces its roots to the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn resisted a police raid and sparked a broader movement for LGBTQ+ rights. The first Pride marches were held the following year to commemorate those events, and over time the observance grew into a month-long celebration of visibility, acceptance and advocacy.
