June is Pride month, and Westerville has made some great strides recently towards valuing and including all members of our community, including updating anti-discrimination legislation in November 2019 to include protections for equal treatment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression for all people living in, visiting or conducting business in Westerville. The City of Westerville has also declared June as Pride month the past two years.  Along with their Pride month declaration in 2020, the City of Westerville declared that they "accept and welcome people of diverse backgrounds and believe a diverse population leads to a more vibrant community" and that "the LGBTQ communities contribute to the cultural, civic and economic successes of the City of Westerville." They further declared that "the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice" and declared that they "urge our residents to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality members of the LGBTQ community face and celebrate the contributions that enhance our City." 

Yes, we have made great strides. But we have more to do! Despite these declarations of institutional support of LGBTQ+ people, and despite having a Pride flag in their possession, The City of Westerville refuses to fly it during Pride month. We have created this petition to ask Westerville to fly that Pride flag now!  If the flag has been lost, we will provide the funds to purchase a new one. Our LGBTQ+ citizens deserve to be celebrated and honored on this important historic month. 

Here's how you can help:

1. Sign the petition below along with any associations you have in Westerville (resident, business owner, clergy, etc.)
2. Share the petition on your social media. The more buzz we can create, the better.
3. Print out copies of this petition and go door to door collecting signatures. Bring all signatures to our next organizing meeting on Sunday at 10 AM in Olde Town Park (108 Old County Line Rd. Westerville) or drop off in our dropbox (will announce location soon).
4. Join us for an upcoming peaceful protest to call Westerville to fly that flag and to honor our LGBTQ+ citizens if they refuse to take action. More information to come!

Stay tuned here and on the Westerville Queer Collective Facebook page for updates!