Mayor Rilling: Norwalk Celebrates Pride Month

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, a time to recognize and honor the history, achievements, and activism of the LGBTQ+ community. As a society, we have made progress to be more inclusive, yet, discrimination and violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community persist.

I encourage the public to use Pride Month as an opportunity to speak to their friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues and ask that they stand firm against hatred and policies that seek to deny rights or services to the members of the LGBTQ+ community. I hope we all can become active participants in building a future that celebrates love, inclusion, and acceptance.

Here in Norwalk, we make it a point to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of our community. This month, I have ordered a Pride flag to be flown outside of Norwalk City Hall to clearly state that our community is inclusive and respectful of the LGBTQ+ community.

I want the public to know that all are welcome in Norwalk, no matter their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The City of Norwalk, as an employer, also welcomes all people. That is why I have signed updated Affirmative Action Policies to include gender identity and gender expression harassment policies to protect against the intentional mis-gendering of a person, outing a person who is transgender or non-binary, and requiring documentation from an employee before affirming their name or pronouns. The Mayor’s Office and Norwalk Police Department also have LGBTQ+ Liaisons on staff who are available to help the public connect with local resources and information.

I stand with members of the LGBTQ+ community in their fight for full rights, equality, and justice. I remain committed to policies and initiatives that create a fair and safe climate for all people. I support organizations, groups, and programs that provide the tools and resources necessary for people to lead their authentic lives.

It is my honor to serve as Mayor of one of the most diverse cities in our state and to declare June as Pride Month in Norwalk.