HUNTINGTON Ƶ ƵHuman rights are equal rightsƵ was one of several chants that greeted residents, visitors and city employees as they walked into City Hall ahead of a Huntington City Council meeting Monday.
The protest, hosted by Tri-State Hands Off and 50501 Huntington-Cabell-Wayne, was organized in response to the cityƵs decision to not fly the pride flag at City Hall this year. Approximately 25 people stood outside of City Hall, some draped in pride flags or holding signs.
Of those who gathered Monday, eight spoke during the good and welfare portion of the council meeting to share their disappointment and hurt over the cityƵs decision to not fly the pride flag at City Hall, saying it shows support and visibility to a minority group that faces discrimination and safety concerns.
ƵIt is so important for representation and also for acknowledgment of our community for safety reasons, for economic reasons, for younger folks to see if they are choosing this city as a place to go to college and invest in that they are supported by our local government,Ƶ City Council at-large member Ally Layman said before the council meeting.
Alex Burgess and Max Kinler said they moved to Huntington because of its inclusivity but said they were saddened by the decision not to fly the pride flag this year, saying it makes them feel less seen. Other residents shared fears of how the decision will affect LGBTQ+ youth and suicide rates in the future.
One of the organizers, Matthew Lebo, wrote a petition for the city to create an ordinance that would recognize June as Pride Month in perpetuity, meaning it would happen every year, and to ask that the pride flag be flown in front of City Hall.
Lebo was getting signatures throughout the rally and gave the petition to the city clerk during MondayƵs meeting.
The city issued a statement on social media June 2 outlining the decision to not display the pride flag outside City Hall for Pride Month.
ƵIn our effort to serve every resident equitably and align with federal and state guidelines, we have chosen to display only these official flags at this time,Ƶ the post states. ƵThis decision reflects our commitment to maintaining a welcoming public space where every individual is respected and represented under the shared flags of our nation, state, and city.Ƶ
Lebo said he found the post used Ƶdisingenuous language.Ƶ
ƵThe statement as put out by the communications director talked about how this creates a welcoming environment for all people in Huntington, despite the fact that it exists to eliminate the city governmentƵs recognition of queer people trying to say this is to align Huntington with state and federal guidelines Ƶ guidelines that donƵt exist,Ƶ Lebo said.
ƵAt a time of soaring violence, physical violence, political violence against queer people, it is more important now than ever that we fight to show queer people that we are here for you. We are fighting for and with you. It is important that we fight that for public acceptance of queer people, and that is why it matters that until now weƵve had a pride flag during Pride Month at City Hall.Ƶ
Casey Day, who also attended both the protest and council meeting, said she, too, was disappointed in the decision.
ƵThe LGBTQ community is still very much in danger and under attack, and I think that a lot of people still try to deny that,Ƶ Day said.
Still, Day said she loves the response of the Huntington community, where people have shown their support for Pride Month by displaying their own flags at their homes.
ƵFor me, the pride flag means, like, community, love, togetherness. ItƵs not just about sexual orientation,Ƶ Day said. ƵItƵs not just about who youƵre in a relationship with.Ƶ
Layman also said it was encouraging to see people in the community speaking out and supporting the cityƵs LGBTQ community.
Layman said she reached out to Mayor Patrick Farrell in April about a POW flag being taken down from outside City Hall and was told at that time the city goes by flag schedules. However, when she publicly asked about the pride flag during a previous council meeting and then followed it up with a formal request, she said she did not get a response.
Layman said those questions she posed to the mayor came from constituents.
During his mayorƵs report, Farrell said the city has always been and will continue to be a place for everyone.
ƵWeƵre committed to making sure that every person feels safe, valued and respected,Ƶ Farrell said. ƵThe city belongs to all of us, and weƵll continue to work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. ThatƵs why city leadership remains committed for full equity for LGBTQ plus neighbors, people of all races and backgrounds, people of all faiths and every resident who calls the city home. IƵm the mayor for everyone and our laws reflect the commitment by offering equal protection for everyone.
ƵI want everyone who lives or works in Huntington to know: You are seen, you are heard, and you are respected. Your safety, your well-being, and your contributions to our community matter. We proudly welcome all people into every corner of civic life,Ƶ Farrell said.
