The City of Lake Worth Beach kicked off a month of Pride with a progressive Pride flag raising and public proclamation on the steps of the Old City Hall in the heart of the city.
Mayor Betty Resch read the proclamation while community members and allies gathered to participate.
The Flag Raising was held on March 1 and has historically been the official kickoff of Pride Month in Palm Beach County.
Although national Pride month is annually in June to commemorate the historic Stonewall Riots in 1969, celebrated as the catalyst for the modern LGBT rights movement, Palm Beach County celebrates Pride in March to beat the summer heat and ensure that seasonal residents, spring breakers and college students have the opportunity to participate.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Palm Beach Pride, and the 30th year it’s been hosted in Lake Worth Beach.
Lake Worth Beach is a Beacon of Hope for LGBT Equity
“When elected officials and the adults in the community show their inclusive support of all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, it matters,” said Julie Seaver, director of Compass Community Center. “Amidst all of these hate bills coming from our state’s capital and around the nation, the City of Lake Worth Beach’s long-standing support of Compass and its LGBTQ population continues to be a beacon of hope. Each year on the steps of City Hall, we raise more than just the Pride flag: we raise awareness and bring visibility for the LGBTQ community and its allies.”
Commissioner Sarah Malega of Lake Worth Beach said that the flag-raising is really just a symbol.
“When a municipality raises the Pride flag and raises it high and proud, it means something,” Malega said. “It shows that Lake Worth Beach is an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.”
Palm Beach Pride is also back on track after the ongoing COVID pandemic caused Pride events in the city to be canceled in 2020 and minimized in 2021. Palm Beach Pride will take place at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach on March 26 and 27 this year, with the Pride parade going down Lake Avenue at 11 a.m. on March 27.
Malega expressed Pride in the fact that this will be the first year that the City of Lake Worth Beach will be marching in the Pride parade as participants. The city commission invited any city employee who is interested to walk with them during the parade. She wants to show the LGBT community in the city that their public officials stand in solidarity with them and are trying to make steps toward true equality.
Tickets to Palm Beach Pride can be purchased at many community locations like Justin and Greg’s Salon and the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach, Compass Community Center, the Tacky Tourist, and the Mad Hatter in Lake Worth Beach, and the Zoo Gym in Boynton Beach before the event for $8, or $10 at the door on the day of the event.
Compass has also partnered with Night Runners to host the first official Pride 5k on the evening of March 25, adding a fun and healthy event to the start of the weekend.
This year, Compass is planning a mass wedding at the Pride festival this year. Couples of any gender and identity can register to be part of this historic activity at compassGLCC.com.
