Community members and friends gathered at Bakery on Maple on Thursday to show their support for the LGBTQ community with a raising of the rainbow flag and to commemorate the beginning of Pride Month.
“I really hope this shows the town of Bristol that you can let everybody in,” said Erika Stirk, who along with her husband, David Landi, owns and runs the artisanal bakery.
“You have to be open and welcoming to everybody in the community, not just the people you want to have come in, because we are all part of the community,” she said.
Thursday marked the third consecutive year that the small business has displayed the pride flag in their window.
“This is our statement,” said Landi. “We try as a business to make social statements. As businesses are part of the community, we should be able to say, ‘We love everybody in the community.
“In such a diverse town as this, it’s just nice to show everyone that they are welcome here in Bristol.”
Left: Erika Stirk and David Landi. Right: Erika Stirk raising the Pride Flag at Bakery on Maple. | Laura Bailey Photos
Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots, the uprising that catalyzed the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the United States.
Events including parades, concerts and workshops are held throughout the month to celebrate the historic impact and achievements made by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Pride Month is about a sense of belonging,” said Scott Rosado, a local business owner who was among those who turned out for the flag raising.
“It’s an investment in our community and staying connected with everyone. It’s about moving forward and letting everyone know that they’re welcome.”
Rosado announced recently that he will be running as the Democratic candidate for mayor this November.
Bakery on Maple is an artisanal micro-bakery that opened on Maple Street in 2021. In the past two years, the Bristol business has become known around the city for their selection of baked goods and specialty cakes.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
All TBE readers, supporters and donors
The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.
- Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.
Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.
