As a lifelong resident, homeowner, and taxpayer in Utica, I feel deeply compelled to initiate this petition. The denial of representation for the LGBTQIA community in my hometown is a disconcerting truth that we must challenge. Our city is not extending the equal respect and recognition that every community deserves, by refusing to celebrate Pride Month officially. Recently, the mayor has stated that flying the Pride flag at City Hall would open the floodgates for other groups to request equal attention; insinuating that were he to reject these requests, the city could face potential legal backlash. Furthermore, drawing parallels between the LGBTQIA community and hate groups is not only ill-informed but profoundly unacceptable!

Pride Month, observed every June, is more than just a celebration; it's a recognition of historical struggles and achievements. According to the Movement Advancement Project, approximately 4.5% of the population of New York identifies as LGBTQ (Williams Institute, UCLA, 2019), and Utica, being part of New York, likely contains a considerable number of these individuals. Denying official recognition of Pride Month therefore disenfranchises a significant segment of our population.

This petition, thus, is an urgent call to reinstate the celebration of Pride Month in Utica, including official recognition from our mayor and the hoisting of the Pride Flag at City Hall throughout June. Let us respectfully assert our demand for equal representation. Please sign the petition to promote inclusivity and diversity in our beloved Utica.