Greenwich will celebrate the tenth LGBTQ+ Pride on Saturday, June 6 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Town Hall.
Elected officials, religious and community leaders will gather with LGBTQ+ leaders and residents, families and allies to honor the kickoff to Pride Month with a formal program, Pride flag raising, and reading of the proclamation declaring June Pride Month in Greenwich.
Other highlights include an ice cream truck, games, DJ and community tables in the field adjacent to Town Hall following the ceremony.
The Greenwich Pride Committee is focused on creating a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ residents and allies to celebrate Pride Month and diverse identities and experiences throughout the year.
Former Selectman Drew Marzullo, who was the first openly gay Selectman, serving as from 2009-2017, was asked to return to speak at the flag raising this year. He brought the idea of raising the Pride flag that year, and ever since, it has been raised every June.
He noted 10 years have passed since the tragic 2016 Pulse Night Club shooting where 49 were killed and 58 injured.
“The Pride Flag is more than just a colorful banner,” Marzullo said. “It shows that you are in a space where you are safe or should be anyway. That you are welcome and included.”
“It’s been 10 years,” he added. “It’s crazy in a lot of ways. On so so many levels. My son Richard is now 16 and about to enter 11th grade. The picture of him and I standing together watching the raising of the pride flag remains one of my most memorable moments as Selectman as a father and as a proud American.”
“I’m very thankful to be included in this years ceremony. It was an honor then and truly an honor now. To say we need to unite as a country would be an understatement. I do however have hope. And I do believe this is possible. I believe it on every level.”
Drew Marzullo and his son Richard look up as the Pride flag is raised outside Greenwich Town Hall. June 13, 2016 Photo: Leslie Yager
Pride event at Greenwich Town Hall. June 4, 2023 Photo: Victoria Liu