Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In honor of June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Weston Residents Robert Baker, Melanie Larson, and David and Elizabeth Young are coordinating the distribution of “Weston Pride” lawn signs.

“Now in its second year, we are delighted by the growing momentum for Weston Pride,” said Larson. “We are especially excited to partner with students in the Weston High and Middle School GSAs (Gender Sexuality Alliance) this year.” You can read about last year’s inaugural signs in a Weston Owl here.

Last year, with minimal outreach and almost no notice, 100 Weston Pride yard signs were distributed across Weston residences in less than four days. This year, Weston Pride signs have doubled and a new “Words of Pride” campaign is launching for residents to show their support for all in the Weston community.

“The GSA students voted on this year’s Pride sign, and we love the inclusive heart design they chose,” said Elizabeth Young. “And the ‘Words of Pride’ campaign is what really sets Weston apart as a caring community.”

Earlier this spring, the Middle School GSA and friends handcrafted 200 custom Pride greeting cards. Each one is a unique piece of art. One card will be attached to each yard sign delivered to a Weston home.

“We are asking residents to either send the Pride card to someone in their life who would appreciate the sentiment or to write a quote or a few words of encouragement and send it back to the Middle School where it will be part of a display showing community support for Pride.”

Weston Middle School GSA co-advisors Carrie Rainville-Collins and Kim Roslonek, as well as art teacher Elizabeth Heichelbech, held volunteer card-making workshops with students.

“The students worked hard on the cards and they turned out beautifully,” said Rainville-Collins. “Nationally, it’s been a tough year for many members of the LGBTQ+ community, and sharing some personal words of support and encouragement has the potential to make a difference.”

Roslonek added, “Weston is fortunate to have a dedicated group of students in the GSA who care about the Weston community. The ‘Words of Pride’ campaign is one way the students can show their support for all residents, and vice-versa. It’s really a special moment.”

Signs and cards will be delivered for free to Weston residents in early June. Residents can request theirs by filling out the request form at this link. Each sign delivered to a Weston resident will include a card on the back with instructions on how to participate in the “Words of Pride” campaign.

For any Weston Pride questions unrelated to a sign request, please send an email to westonpride4all@gmail.com.

Happy Pride!