ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, left, and Robert “Tish” Muise attach the flag during the gay pride flag raising at Lynn City Hall.
By BRIDGET TURCOTTE
LYNN — A small group gathered outside City Hall to commemorate pride month with an annual flag raising ceremony Friday afternoon.
This year, the flag waves at half staff in memory of the 49 people killed in an Orlando nightclub shooting last Sunday.
“We have a small but powerful group of people here,” said Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
“Events like Orlando are made to make people afraid. We’re not going to stop because of that. We’re going to raise our flag in spite of that.”
Kennedy said the flag is raised each year to recognize that June is pride month.
“I’m sure the terrorist planned his attack to be particularly hurtful to the gay community,” Kennedy said. “I was afraid people might be fearful and turn away, but I’m happy with the turnout. These are strong people.”
Robert “Tish” Muise, manager of Fran’s Place, the state’s oldest gay bar, assisted Kennedy in raising the rainbow flag. Muise has organised vigils and ceremonies in the wake of the attack in Orlando. He’s planning a fundraiser for Pulse Orlando nightclub at Fran’s Place on July 8.
“It makes me very proud to be who I am and not be ashamed,” Muise said. “The support from the community makes me want to do more.”
Kristen Freni, president of North Shore Alliance of GLBT Youth, a Salem-based advocacy group, spoke about an event Sunday at 8 p.m. at Goldfish Pond. About 100 candles have already been donated for the vigil, but she recommends attendees bring their own.
“Society is programming us to look away at times,” Freni said.
She stressed the importance of doing the opposite and speaking out in support.
“The message we need to send is that we need to love one another,” she said. “Love always wins. The light outshines the darkness.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte