For the second year, Ward 1 Councilwoman Lammis Vargas on Monday sponsored a Pride Flag ceremony at Cranston City Hall.

The event, which was streamed live online, had been postponed from an earlier date in June, although the Pride Flag has been flying over City Hall since the start of the month. The delay resulted in a particularly memorable event, as the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday issued a historic ruling regarding workplace protections for gay and transgender Americans.

Several Rhode Island communities held their own ceremonies on Monday, which were also livestreamed. Cranston’s celebration was part of the broader statewide celebration of Pride Month.

Cranston kicked off its presentation with comments from Tricia Phelan, Ms. Lesbian Rhode Island 2019. She started her remarks with what she called the most important message: “Black lives matter. Black lives matter. Black lives matter.”

“We find ourselves back where we started. Our communities of color are under attack. It is time we stand up as a community and fight for equality for all, not just some of us,” she said.

Phelan spoke of the challenges and discrimination facing members of the trans community, especially those of color.

“I want to say to my trans community, you are not alone. I am here,” she said.

“Now, it’s been a tough year, and without a doubt the last few weeks have been difficult to digest for many of us in our country, our state and in our respective communities. As you all know, the original flag raising was set for June 2, and at the time it was not appropriate to have a celebration in light of the recent demonstration regarding the murder of George Floyd,” she said. “I want to thank the RI Pride organization for taking action and moving the date to a statewide effort, as well each city and town in Rhode Island who is participating and demonstrating an act of unity today. During this time of need, we must unite peacefully to overcome prejudice, offer acceptance and continue to advocate for the rights of so many but also of our LGBTQ family, friends and neighbors.”

She added: “Here in Cranston we have an amazing community full of diversity, and I want you to know that you are welcomed here, regardless of the color of your skin, ethnicity and sexual orientation. If you feel differently, know that I am here to listen and be an advocate.”

Vargas also said the City Council will formally recognize Pride Month during its June 22 meeting.

During Monday’s ceremony, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung spoke of the diversity that makes the city so special.

“We are very excited, once again to be here, in celebration of Pride Month,” he said. “This is an opportunity where we get to celebrate for the second year in a row the raising of that Pride Flag. It is going to be a continuing commitment by all of Cranston to stand aside all of you. Now, more than ever, is the time to overcome hate.”

City Council President Michael Farina also spoke briefly during the event, offering a message of acceptance.

“I am proud to support Cranston’s second annual Pride Ceremony. One thing I am so proud of … is how we have worked to foster diversity, work for inclusiveness and the way we accept each other’s differences,” he said. “I know there is need for continued improvement, but, we are all learning, growing and understanding how the world is changing, and this is one step on that long journey to complete equality for all.”

Ward 5 Councilman Chris Paplouskas also shared his support.

“I’m excited to support the continuing tradition of raising the Pride Flag in support of diversity and inclusiveness in our great city,” he said.

Cranston’s portion of the livestreamed ceremony ended with two poems from Thomas Cardoza.

“I am thrilled to be here and be part of this ceremony,” he said. “As a bisexual African American male, I am thankful to have this stage, and hopefully more people in my position get the opportunity to do things like this.”