LYNN — City Hall proudly raised the Progressive Pride flag Tuesday afternoon, as part of United Lynn Pride’s two-event celebration.
Close to 100 people of all ages gathered across the sidewalk and Town Hall steps in support of raising the Progressive Pride flag. United Lynn Pride is organized by small community members striving to bring visibility to the greater Lynn LGBTQIA+ community.
The chair of North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth (NAGLY), Kristen Freni, attended in support of handing out pride flags to everyone.
Mayor Jared Nicholson stepped up to the podium wearing a pride sash across his chest to say a few words. “It’s great to be out here invited by United Pride, it’s important to show up and spread support,” said Nicholson.
President of United Pride, T. Nash spoke his piece once the mayor stepped down.
“To use correct pronouns is all about respect. It’s the same and as simple as please and thank you. Love is Love,” he said.
Known as “Tish,” Muise is the former general manager of Fran’s Place, which is one of the oldest gay bars in Mass. and is believed to be the first and oldest in Lynn.
“I worked at Fran’s Place for 40 years and I’ve been out since 1974, it’s nice to see the youth here and I call them my children because I gave them a place to feel safe,” said Tish.
To raise the Progressive Pride flag in front of City Hall is a big deal and it shows how much the LGBTQIA+ community has evolved in Lynn. In 2018, the Progressive Pride flag was developed by non-binary artist, Daniel Quasar. This event wrapped up with more rainbows, music, and dances before heading over to St. Stephen’s Church for food before the Bridge Underpass at Central Square.
Later in the evening, United Pride continued to host for the second year in a row the lighting of the Bridge Underpass at Central Square. Lynn City Council, Brian Field, was there to support the community and everyone taking part in this final event.
Artist Jermaine Kelly also came out to support the members of the community,
“I’m here for the community and to make sure people are comfortable regardless,” said Kelly.
Those who grew up in the city of Lynn have been able to witness the evolution that the LGBTQIA+ community has undertaken. Before turning on the lights, to close out the night, Tish, who received a handshake from the mayor and an honorable recognition for spreading pride throughout the city of Lynn that started at Fran’s Place made one last comment, “Receiving this is overwhelming but, I couldn’t be happier.”
The crowd counted down before Trish turned on the Rainbow of the Bridge Underpass.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
