Flag raising event on June 4 

By Theresa Knapp

In April, residents Cyndy Ellis and Andrea Moores petitioned the Medway Select Board to acknowledge Pride Month by flying Pride flags in June. 

“We, as parents of children who are part of this [LGBTQ+] community, humbly ask you, the Board, to allow eight Pride Flags to fly on the lamppost flag poles on 109 near Choate Park for a week during the month of June.” 

The board unanimously approved the request to fly the flags from June 4 to June 10, agreed to help raise the flags with the town bucket truck, and committed to fund the project at $500 for the purchase of flags and related expenses. 

On June 4, the first weekend of Pride Month, the flags will be raised on the eight lampposts along Route 109 between Evergreen and Lincoln Streets (four flags on each side of the street), followed by a celebration at the Choate Park Pavilion.  

The “Progress Pride Flag” is an updated version of the more commonly recognized rainbow flag which was created in 1978. 

Moores explained, “In 2018, the [rainbow] Pride flag was redesigned to include the Chevron which consists of black, brown, light blue, pink and white stripes, and those were added to represent marginalized people of color, trans individuals, and those living with HIV and AIDS. So that’s the flag that we’d like to use because that’s the flag that’s most inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.” 

Ellis said, “The Pride flag, for those in this community, sends a message of inclusion and respect. To see that flag flying will tell members of this community they are accepted, they are loved, and they can be authentically who they are.” 

Organizers expect a large turnout from local and surrounding communities. 

Moores said she runs a monthly support group for parents, caregivers and allies of LGBTQ+ youth and she expects many of those people to attend. She is also working with the Gay Straight Alliances at the Medway middle and high schools and those students have also expressed an interest to attend. 

Both Ellis and Moores thanked the board. 

“This means a lot to me and I know it’s going to mean a lot to my children,” Moores said. 

Select Board Chair Maryjane White said, “I think I can speak for everyone [the board]. We’re very happy to do this. I think it’s great for our community. It really is ground-breaking.” 

Medway Pride Month Celebration 

• Event: Progress Pride Flag Raising & Pride Celebration 

• When: Sat., June 4 at 9 a.m. 

• Where: Flags will be raised on eight lampposts on Route 109, starting on the corner of Route 109 and Evergreen Street and ending on the corner of Route 109 and Lincoln Street. Pride Celebration at the Choate Park Pavilion to follow.