June 15, 2022

Requesting That Rainbow Flag Be Displayed in Princeton All Year Round

To the Editor:

The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice requests that the Rainbow Flag now flying proudly over our fair town in honor of Pride Month be displayed in Princeton all year round to serve as a beacon to those looking for towns, cities, and communities that are inclusive and affirming for LQBTQIA+ persons and their families as well supportive friends and allies.

We are excitedly looking forward to the Princeton Gay Pride Parade and Afterparty this Saturday, June 18, and invite all to join us in solidarity and celebration. Last week, we at the BRCSJ were honored to participate in the annual Rainbow Flag raising event and we were also thrilled to take part in both the Princeton Community Pride Picnic and Dance. These events were very well attended and indeed representative in a beautiful way of all our diverse communities.

The Gay Pride Flag is more than just a symbol. We have heard from many folks in the LGBTQIA+ community that one of the first things they look for when visiting a new town is the number of pride flags in homes and businesses. Perhaps even more importantly, many LGBTQIA+ people look for these hallmarks of inclusion to help them decide whether they want to relocate their homes or businesses to a particular area. The presence of the Gay Pride Flag indicates safety and welcome and we know Princeton wants to be seen as a true bastion of inclusivity.

Whilst raising the Rainbow Flag high during Pride Month is a gesture that is much appreciated by those of us in the community who are able to witness it, we believe a much stronger and more meaningful statement can be made by flying this flag year-round as an ongoing commitment to the diversity and inclusion that the town of Princeton aspires to project.

The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice strongly encourages this action be taken before end of Pride Month, and to this end, we have had very encouraging conversations with Mayor Mark Freda many members of town Council who seem supportive of this measure. We hope to be able to address this at the public meeting on June 27 to ensure that the Gay Pride Flag be flown permanently in Princeton.

Together, let’s make sure we show our Pride 365 days a year!

Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber
Chief Activist, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice

Wesley Rowell
BRCSJ Intern, Princeton Theological Seminary
Stockton Street