Each June, rainbow flags unfurl across Maine, from Portland storefronts to Presque Isle porches, from downtown streets to small-town libraries, as we join communities across the world in celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month. It’s a season of love, of joy, of identity. But it’s also a time of remembrance, of resistance and of recommitment to the work still ahead.

Pride began not as a party but as a protest. The first Pride was a riot, led by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera against police brutality and the criminalization of queer lives. Their courage sparked a movement that has never stopped fighting: for the right to love, to live openly and to be safe in our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.

Here in Maine, we have a proud legacy of showing up for equality, from the early grassroots organizing of LGBTQ+ Mainers in the 1970s to the passage of anti-discrimination laws in 2005, to the historic moment in 2012 when Maine became one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. These victories were hard-fought and hard-won. They happened because people stood up, spoke out and refused to give in to fear.

And still, we know that progress is not permanent. Today, we’re seeing a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation proposals across the country — proposals that target trans youth, erase queer identities from classrooms, strip away access to health care and so much more. Books are being banned and fear is being weaponized by those who would rather divide than unite.

That’s why Pride is not just a celebration of how far we’ve come, it’s a declaration that we will not go back. It’s a promise to protect the rights we’ve fought for and to push forward for full equality. When we raise a rainbow flag or march in a local parade, we’re not just showing up for a party, we’re standing up for our neighbors, our families, ourselves and the next generation.

Here in Maine, we value fairness, respect and community. Those values only matter if they extend to everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love. Every Mainer deserves to feel safe, seen and supported. Every young person deserves to grow up in a world where they are told their identity is not just valid but beautiful. Pride is a lifeline, especially for those in rural areas or in homes where being yourself still feels risky.

Visibility comes with responsibility. It’s not enough to change a logo to rainbow colors if we’re not standing up when it counts. Pride isn’t a brand. It’s a commitment to inclusive policies, meaningful protections and real investments in LGBTQ+ lives. As Senate president, I take that responsibility seriously, and I will continue to fight for a Maine where every person can live freely, fully and safely. I make it a priority to welcome LGBTQ+ folks, students and allies to the State House, creating space where they feel seen, heard and empowered — and to see themselves in places of power.

As a co-founder of Brunswick Pride, I’ve witnessed firsthand how vital welcoming spaces are for a thriving community. Four years ago, a small group of us recognized the need for an organization dedicated to building a more inclusive future. What began with a successful petition to the Town Council for a rainbow sidewalk soon grew into something much larger: a family-friendly annual festival that has blossomed into a cherished part of our local summer tradition.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate, connect and show your support, I invite you to join us at the Fourth Annual Brunswick Pride Festival on the Town Mall from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14. It’s a joyful, welcoming celebration filled with music, local vendors, artists, performance, puppies (thank you, Midcoast Humane!), family activities and a whole lot of heart. Whether it’s your first Pride or your 50th, you’ll find community, love and solidarity right here at home.

So this Pride Month, let’s celebrate our progress. Let’s honor the courage of those who paved the way. Let’s listen, learn and stand up for one another. Not just in June, but all year long. Because building a Maine where everyone can live openly, authentically and with pride is a future worth fighting for. Happy Pride!