Past time to recognize pride in Barrington

On April 12, the Barrington Village Board heard nearly an hour of public comment from the community regarding the need for an official Pride proclamation or resolution in our town.

These voices ranged from lifelong Barrington residents, students, business owners, therapists and those who may not call our town home, but dine and shop in the village and hope to continue doing so. All of these individuals shared how recognizing Pride month in our town through a proclamation or resolution would impact them personally and why, after recent attacks and vandalism targeting the local LGBTQIA+ community in Barrington, it is critical to do so.

I wholeheartedly agree and support all of those who spoke. We can't say that our town is welcoming and inclusive without backing up those claims with formal actions. If a group is saying that they don't feel included or welcome, we must believe them. When individuals are brave enough to share their direct lived experiences and ask for our support, it is vital that we hear them and act in turn. If we don't act when called upon to do so, it sends a message that no one is listening.

I encourage the public, allies, advocates and all of our LGBTQIA+ siblings to continue using their voices to encourage governments, organizations and businesses to adopt these kinds of positive affirmations. There is a wonderful and compassionate pro-LGBTQIA+ community here in Barrington and we must act to ensure that this vision of inclusivity and equity is the clear, apparent standard across all aspects of our community, up to and including the Village Board.

Emily Young

Barrington Village Trustee