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Warren, Pa. – Governor Tom Wolf issued a proclamation making Saturday, June 18, 2022, Warren County Pride Day and asked all Pennsylvanians to “celebrate this important observance.”
The proclamation, championing the Pride Day Celebration being organized locally, was written in response to requests by organizers to the Governor’s office for support.
“We are both grateful and excited for the support from the Governor’s office,” said Jill Sumner, one of the organizers of the Pride event. “This level of recognition is a great honor.”
The Governor’s proclamation outlined several key points related to the purpose of the event.
“Warren County Pride Day is a time to unite and denounce discrimination and violence toward LGBTQ individuals, to promote self-affirmation, dignity, and equality, and to mobilize communities,” the proclamation reads. “The commonwealth is proud to honor the history and contributions of LGBTQ communities within our state and throughout the nation.”
“We are thankful for the continued support of Warren County Pride by Governor Wolf,” said Douglas Hearn, one of the organizers of Warren Pride. “This Warren County Pride event is meant to celebrate how far we have come, not only for the LGBTQIA+ community but also to understand the obstacles that face us every day. We still need laws that protect LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians from discrimination.”
Hearn went on to explain some of those obstacles.
“In Pennsylvania, you can marry the person you love on Friday, but lose your job on Monday morning,” Hearn said. “You can marry the one you love on Friday and lose your apartment on Monday. This is a human rights issue.”
Wolf’s proclamation also touched on the lack of legal protection for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Although tremendous progress has been made in the LGBTQ rights movement, Pennsylvania still needs legislative action to prevent discrimination, comprehensively, based on sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity,” the proclamation reads. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to celebrate this observance and to continue to work toward true liberty and justice for all.”
The third annual Warren County Pride Day will be held Saturday, June 18 at Betts Park from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Warren County Pride Day is held to both celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community regionally. The event will feature speakers and performers, games, activities, bounce houses, vendors, and area agencies. There will also be a costume competition for both people and pets.
The event has been organized by local pride supporters and is meant to be an inclusive, all-ages family event celebrating diversity and promoting equality, acceptance, tolerance, and love throughout Warren County.
