Yarmouth is set to celebrate its very first Pride Month this month in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Yarmouth Town Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring June as Pride Month, and residents have backed it as well, said Councilor Heather Abbott.
Given the national political climate, she said, it was “reassuring” to see the “overwhelming” support.
“It is important that all members of the Yarmouth community feel safe, supported, and welcome to be who they are and love who they love,” Abbott said.
The Yarmouth Town Council is encouraging residents and businesses to show their support by flying Pride flags in June. Contributed / Metro Creative
Pride Month started out as “Gay Pride Day” in New York City in 1970 and grew around the world to become a monthlong observance to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ movement, raise awareness and foster solidarity. Pride Month in U.S. cities typically includes parades, parties, concerts and other events. Pride Portland, for example, is sponsoring its annual Pride parade June 17 at 1 p.m. on Congress Street, followed by a Pride Festival at Deering Oaks Park.
While Yarmouth’s inaugural Pride Month won’t include a parade or other big events, the Town Council hopes residents and businesses will get the ball rolling by raising Pride flags to show their support.
Rosemont Market and Bakery on Main Street will be participating, said Finn Naylor, Rosemont’s marketing director.
“It’s something that’s really important to Rosemont,” Naylor said.
The bakery year-round sells rainbow sugar cookies, with a dollar from each sale going to LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization Equality Maine. The Pride cookies will be especially featured throughout the month of June.
The Yarmouth community is influential and special, Naylor said, and it’s important for them to recognize Pride Month.
“It surprises me that this is the first Yarmouth Pride. I think it’s wonderful.”
The Yarmouth Farmers Market will show its support this month by hosting a Gay-Straight Alliance table at the market. Sales from stickers and T-shirts will benefit MaineTransNet, a transgender-led community organization.
“There is so much more that can and should be done, but this is one way that Yarmouth can make it clear that we are proud to have a vibrant LGBTQ+ community here,” Abbott said.
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