Dover raises Pride flag, proclaims June as LGBTQ Pride Month

posted on 6/17/2024; updated 6/18/2024

The City of Dover officially recognized June as LGBTQ Pride Month by raising the Pride flag over City Hall and issuing a proclamation at last week's City Council meeting.

Prior to the council meeting on June 12, Mayor Robert Carrier was joined by members of the City Council, Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee, and community members to raise the Pride flag, which will fly over Dover City Hall throughout the month.

During the meeting, Carrier read a proclamation celebrating Pride Month and the LGBTQ community. "The mayor said, reading from the proclamation, 'Pride Month is a time to recall the trials the LGBTQ+ community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought – and continue to fight – for full equality.'"

The proclamation recognizes the significance of June in commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which helped spark the modern LGBTQ rights movement. It states that while progress has been made, "attitudes and injustice still remain" and encourages Dover residents to recognize, support and show pride for their LGBTQ family members and neighbors.

"Because of the acts of courage of the millions who came out and spoke out to demand justice, and of those who quietly toiled and pushed for progress, our country has made great strides in recognizing what these brave individuals long knew to be true in their hearts – that no person should be judged by anything but the content of their character," the mayor said.

The flag-raising and proclamation reflect Dover's commitment to being "an inclusive and welcoming community for all, including the LGBTQ+ community." 

The complete proclamation can be viewed on the city's website here.