The City of Bristol will kick off Pride Month with the third annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, June 8, at City Hall.

 Beginning at 5:30pm, the Mayor, City Council members and the community will join together to commemorate LGBTQ and Pride Month by raising the Pride Flag at 6pm.

The raising of the Pride Flag represents hope to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect and awareness in our community, by fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity in order to educate, communicate and advocate to build and strengthen community connections.

June was chosen for LGBT Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June, 1969 and to pay tribute to those involved in six days of protests in an attempt for LGBT+ people to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest. 

As a result of their bravery, many pride events are held during the month of June to recognize the impact LGBT people have had around the world. The rainbow flag symbolizes a variety of characteristics with its current colors of red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (art) and indigo (harmony).

The ceremony is being co-produced by the Mayor’s Office and the City’s Arts & Culture Commission, as well as with support from the Diversity Council. It is a free event that is open to the public and will include a speaking program. 
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