Daily Herald opinion: Increasingly, communities are standing up to welcome and value all types of love

This editorial is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Over the years, June has become packed with rainbow flags, parades and other Pride Month celebrations. Chicago has celebrated Pride since 1970, but what about the suburbs?

Are we showing the LGBTQ+ community that they are welcomed, accepted and safe?

We're getting there.

Elgin held its first Pride Parade and Festival earlier this month, joining Aurora and Buffalo Grove to celebrate a month devoted to recognizing that gay and transgender people live in our communities and deserve respect and acceptance.

On June 3, after four years of planning, Elgin residents felt the love.

"As a queer man who grew up here, this means a lot," said Elgin resident Mark Rayos.

That's what it's all about. Pride events tell this often-marginalized community, "We welcome you. We support you. You are safe here."

Aurora held its first Pride Parade in 2018, and Buffalo Grove followed a year later. Earlier this week, Buffalo Grove issued a Pride Month Proclamation, which encourages "all community residents to eliminate prejudice wherever it exists and to celebrate our great diversity by celebrating our LGBTQ friends and neighbors."

Gradually, Pride Month is becoming something for everyone. A way to support those who have recently come out. A way to show members of the LGBTQ+ community they belong. And a way to value all types of love.

When we celebrate the diverse expressions of love, we promote inclusivity, empathy and respect. Who couldn't use more of that?

Some see Pride events as encouraging the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, but that is not the aim of these inclusive events. They are not celebrations of specific behaviors, and they aren't meant to persuade anyone to become gay or transgender.

Elgin, Aurora and Buffalo Grove hold family-friendly events to raise awareness, to remind us that all love is equal. You'll also see these events at many suburban libraries, along with LGBTQ+ flags flying outside churches and your neighbor's homes simply saying love is love.

But more can be done to spread the word. More events can be held. More flags can fly. More celebrations can and should happen.

We applaud Elgin, Aurora and Buffalo Grove for all they've done to honor Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community. Kudos to the libraries, churches and your neighbor proudly flying that representative rainbow flag.

We hope to see more of everything that Pride Month represents, not only in June, but all year long, so anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ feels welcome and safe.

So regardless of who you choose to love, inclusivity, acceptance and respect win.

And love always wins.