A ripple of rainbow colors and unity swept through downtown Glen Cove on June 2 as more than 50 residents, advocates and allies gathered at City Hall for the city’s seventh annual Progress Pride Flag raising ceremony.
Participants waved the inclusive flag — a variation of the traditional rainbow flag that incorporates black, brown, and transgender stripes — before the event formally began, sending a message of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community as June’s Pride Month got underway.
The ceremony, led by Glen Cove City Councilmember Marsha Silverman, drew attention to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and the urgency of ongoing advocacy in the face of growing challenges nationwide.
“LGBTQ Pride is more than a flag raising. It’s more than parades. It’s more than vibrant colors,” Silverman said. “It’s a testament to courage, resilience, and love.”
Silverman emphasized that Pride began as a protest born out of the Stonewall Riots and that the fight for equality continues today. “Those who dared to live authentically in a world that told them not to — because of their bravery, people like me get to stand here today,” she said. “Not just to celebrate how far we’ve come, but to acknowledge how far we have yet to go.”
She noted that 27 states across the country still lack full nondiscrimination protections, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to being fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity. “That’s why we need to do this, and that’s why we need advocates who help us every day,” she said.
Cassia Blackburn, a Glen Cove native, transgender woman, and president of Glen Cove High School’s Gender and Sexualities Club , spoke about the importance of public events like the flag raising, particularly in the current political climate.
“I’m a Glen Cove native. I’m also a trans woman,” Blackburn said. “This event is so important to me because it represents pride — not just pride in ourselves, but pride in our community and who we are.”
She addressed the effect of recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country. “We have to be proud for those who can’t be,” she said. “If we were in another state, we might not be able to do this event, and I am so grateful that we do get to do this.”
Blackburn was presented with a proclamation from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office by Joey Ramirez, a representative from the governor’s office. “We will always work for you,” Ramirez said. “New York has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ human rights… and we will stand next to them every step of the way.”
Aiden Jay Kaplan, assistant director of operations at PFY, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ individuals in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, shared their experience working to support LGBTQ+ youth and families.
“So much of my job is going into environments that are not welcoming, that are not affirming, that are not supportive, and trying to convince someone to care,” Kaplan said. “It is so nice to be surrounded by all of you and love and admiration, because we so rarely get an opportunity… to see that.”
Kaplan said Pride is a declaration that “we are here, we matter, and we will not be put back in the shadows.” They described the flag as a beacon for youth, elders, and families — a symbol that they are seen and valued.
“Visibility has never been more important than it is right now,” Kaplan said. “We are living in a time when LGBTQ rights are under attack… books are being banned, health care access is being challenged, and trans youth are being targeted.”
Kaplan called on the community to do more than celebrate — to commit. “Let’s commit to showing up for each other, to creating inclusive schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and towns,” they said. “To building a future where every person… can thrive without fear.”
Sarah Kate Ellis-Henderson, president and CEO of GLAAD, echoed the urgency of the moment in a statement shared at the event. “LGBTQ people are, and always have been, part of the fabric of this country. We are not separate from America; we are America,” Ellis-Henderson said.
She cited a 14 percent increase in attacks against transgender people and three major LGBTQ-related cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, including U.S. v. Skrmetti, which challenges Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
“Our resilience is our legacy, our joy is our protest, and our unity is our power,” Ellis-Henderson said.
