By Laura Alefantis
The Rainbow Alianza 4th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony & Pulse Memorial took effect on Tuesday, June 11th, 2019 across Lawrence City Hall.
About Rainbow Alianza: The mission of Rainbow Alianza is to organize events and provide safe spaces that nurture and strengthen the LGBTQ+ community in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Since 2016, the group has partnered with local individuals, organizations and corporations to carry out its mission in a collaborative, democratic manner.
Purpose – Today we stand here celebrating the 4th Annual Raising of the Freedom Flag. To celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender and Queer) community as a Family. To join together in unity across all lines of difference – race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and religion. Joining together in the name of Love, Acceptance and Equality. Each year we come together to celebrate our Pride, raise our flag, share support & resources and be amongst others who are not afraid to show their Pride.
We also stand here today to remember the victims of the shooting of the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. As we will never forget the 49 lives that were taken as they celebrated their Pride. It was due to that horrendous tragedy that sparked the annual flag raising here in the City of Lawrence. Where most of the victims in the Pulse shooting were Latino, we as a Latino community felt that here at home. As our tradition stands, we will offer a prayer, support and solidarity to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer members of this community and beyond.
This year’s Rainbow Alianza’s organizing committee: Laura Alefantis, Fernanda Lopez, Lesly Melendez, Elizabeth Delgado, Dr. Nathan Macedo, Reverend Cassandra Chavez from Redeemer Lutheran, Celeste Cruz, Leida Mane and James Valentine-Mora.
———————————————————————————————————————
A constant fight:
Violence is a significant issue in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Statistics demonstrate that LGBT people are among the most frequent victims of hate crimes and violence; these crimes occur in many settings, including schools and colleges, the armed services, jails and prisons, homes, workplaces, and public places. The violence on the LGBTQ+ community hasn’t slowed.
Meaning of the lotus –
The lotus flower is a sacred symbol in various cultures. Apart from looking beautiful, the lotus also has a deep spiritual meaning. It stands for purity, strength and grace. Lotus flowers grow in the dirtiest of waters but bloom into beautiful flowers, despite their origins.
This is what has happened in Lawrence 4 years ago after the tragedy hit our community we all came together to host a vigil to remember the lives lost, and raise the Pride Flag. It is amazing to be able to continue to show awareness and Pride each year. Today is a beautiful testament to the beauty and the strength that comes out conflict or destruction.
Safe Space pledge- Sticker campaign
As we started last year we, The Rainbow Alianza, will be reaching out to local businesses, hospitals, agencies, programs, city departments, community members and leaders, our local and state elected officials… to not only take the pledge but, to affix The Rainbow Alianza Safe Space logo to identify that their business, office or any public space. Identifying that it will be free of discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to such behavior.
Understanding that being an ALLY to the LGBTQ+ Community means you have a voice… Please speak up and stop hatred before it spreads, remember that there is power in numbers and we should work together to fight this battle.
So I ask that you all raise your right hand to take this pledge: By taking this pledge it shows that you believe in being a powerful ally, your space is enriched by inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community and that you will work to create a safe space of all.
I pledge to help create a safe environment in which diversity and inclusion are appreciated and where everyone is welcomed.
I pledge to intervene, when I feel I can safely, in situations where discrimination has occurred.
I pledge to NOT use or allow others to use anti-LGBTQ+ language or slurs in my presence
I pledge to stop any and all discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm
I pledge to demand respect of all human beings regardless of their race, color, religion, sexual ordination or preference
I pledge that I am part of the Rainbow Alianza and will do my part to use my voice to help create a safe space
