Pride should be displayed openly

A letter to Mayor Jim Schwantz of Palatine.

Mayor Schwantz, first, thank you so much for your Pride month proclamation. My husband and I are longtime residents (20-plus years) and have often felt overlooked as LGBTQ Palatine residents. Our hope is that the village will take the next step and fly the Pride flag.

I know some will object, saying "isn't the proclamation enough" or "if gays can fly a flag, then other controversial groups will want to also." My response to this is that pride is not silent; it is displayed openly by definition.

LGBTQ pride is not haughty or arrogant, but it is a demonstration of unity, acceptance, diversity and community in spite of oppression and adversity. It is a beautiful message for a village to send and many more would welcome this gesture than you would think. Many neighboring villages are making the decision to fly the Pride flag (and some of those that are not have received negative publicity).

Please consider flying the flag, at least on the actual Pride Day, June 27, in recognition of the stonewall riots of 1969.

My husband and I would be happy to donate the flag so no cost would be incurred to the village. Please give this your consideration.

Joe Serioa and Paul Dombrowski

Palatine