The City of Surrey raised the Pride flag at city hall for the second year in honour of Pride Month.
Mayor Brenda Locke, Coun. Linda Annis, Coun. Mike Bose, Coun. Rob Stutt, Surrey Pride president Martin Rooney, and other members of Surrey Pride attended the flag-raising on Monday (June 18) outside city hall.
"I'm honoured to mark this occasion as we proudly fly the Pride flag at city hall for the second year in a row," said Mayor Brenda Locke. "This symbol of inclusivity and equality represents the City of Surrey’s unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming and valued space for every member of our community. I would like to extend my gratitude to Surrey Pride. Led by Martin Rooney and his team, Surrey Pride’s tireless efforts help foster a culture of acceptance year-round. Let us continue to celebrate diversity, embrace equality, and strive for a world where everyone can live freely and authentically.”
Last year was the first time the Pride flag flew at city hall in celebration. The city flew the flag after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida in 2016, said Surrey Pride president Martin Rooney. In 2016, Surrey council voted unanimously to fly the Pride flag at city hall in “solidarity, sympathy and support for the LGBTQ community following the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida,” Rooney said in a previous interview.
"Surrey Pride Society is grateful for Mayor Locke's continued support of our community by flying the Pride flag at city hall for the second year running," Rooney said . "By recognizing the struggles and achievements of our 2SLGBTQ+I community, we're building a city that's more inclusive, more accepting, and more vibrant. This year, Surrey Pride celebrates 25 years and it’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also the work we have yet to do. We're proud to be part of this journey and look forward to celebrating with our community once again."
The city also repainted the Pride flag crosswalk at Old Yale Road and University Drive with the new Intersex-inclusive Pride Progress flag.
On Saturday (June 22), Surrey Pride is hosting its 25th annual Surrey Pride Festival from 1:30 to 8 p.m. at Civic Plaza (13450 104 Ave).
Admission is free at the family-friendly event, to include vendors, speeches, dance and good vibes on the plaza outside Surrey City Hall. The schedule and other festival details are posted on surreypride.ca/pride-2024-25th.
Earlier in the month, Mayor Brenda Locke, in a proclamation, declared June 2024 as “2SLGBTQ+ (Rainbow Community) Pride month” in the City of Surrey.
The city will also illuminate Civic Plaza in rainbow colours from June 22 to 28.
-With files from Tom Zillich
