Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
The City of Alexandria marked June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month during its seventh annual Alexandria Pride Fair on June 1. Mayor Justin Wilson commenced the event with a proclamation reading.
"More than anything, Pride is a celebration. It is a celebration of our community," stated Mayor Wilson. "It is a celebration of the fact that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of Alexandria. It is a celebration that the rich tapestry of Alexandria is incomplete without the LGBTQ+ community. We celebrate that in Pride and we celebrate that all year long."
Hundreds attended the fair, participating in activities such as Drag Story Hour, collecting Pride-themed items, enjoying live music and food, creating art, taking photos, and learning about LGBTQ+ inclusive services available in Alexandria. Confidential services offered included HIV testing and mental health resources.
During the event, rainbow crosswalks were introduced at Royal and King Streets as symbols of inclusivity for all residents regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) revealed its first bus decorated with a Pride theme underlining their commitment to celebrating diversity and offering free rides.
Mayor Wilson also emphasized the ongoing work of the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force mentioned in this year's Pride Proclamation. Since 2007, this task force has aimed to ensure safe and inclusive service provision affirming individuals' sexual orientation and gender identity.
Further information about resources provided by the City's LGBTQ+ Task Force can be found online along with books related to LGBTQ+ Pride Month on the Alexandria Library's webpage.
For those needing communication assistance in another language, interpretation and translation services are offered by contacting LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703-746-3960.
As part of its 275th anniversary celebrations since its founding in 1749, Alexandria invites everyone to join events from April through September at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.
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