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June declared as Pride Month in a first virtual proclamation
The CNMI Office of the Governor held its first virtual proclamation ceremony last Monday, streaming the entire ceremony that declared June as Pride Month, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios led the proclamation signing ceremony, saying, “Gov. [Ralph DLG] Torres and I urge the entire Commonwealth to come together and support our LGBTQ+ community, recognize their many contributions to our society, and promote equality and liberty for all.”
Every year in June the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the month as a celebration of gender equality. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres became the first governor in CNMI history and in the Pacific region to proclaim Pride Month in the Marianas in 2016.
“Pride Month is a global celebration …We need to create a loving, accepting, and nurturing environment especially for our LGBTQ+ community,” added Palacios.
Press secretary Kevin Bautista, who acted as emcee at the virtual proclamation signing, said “This year, within the context and shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, Pride events around the world take on a deeper meaning connecting the causes of racism and discrimination with love, justice, and equality for all.”
Pride Marianas Youth founder Jennifer Maritita said, “This is the first-ever CNMI Pride Month. Last year the CNMI only celebrated Pride Week. We have online events because of social distancing and virtual creative ways to reach our youth.”
“We are going to repaint the skies, and be more compassionate with a place of social diversity, where love is love and love wins in the Marianas. Biba Pride,” said Maratita.
Pride Youth Marianas will be hosting the Ride4Pride Marianas islandwide motorcade tomorrow, June 27, beginning at the Kan Pacific Pool in Marpi. Registration time is 12pm and start time is 1pm. (Chevy Alipio)
