Local leaders creating unity in the community during Pride Month

DELMARVA – This Pride Month, Salisbury PFLAG is working to bring the public together.

In recent years, the group says it’s faced hurdles, from the potential removal of the Pride Crosswalk to the Pride Flag raising ceremony being moved away from the Downtown Government Building last year.

But executive director Mark DeLancey said the coalition has never lost sight of its mission.

“I want everyone to walk away with not just on Pride Month, but especially during Pride Month, that we need to stand up. We need to stand together, we need to make sure that these things are being loud, proud and heard,” said DeLancey.

In the First State, Vienna Cavazos was recently named the Vice Chair for Delaware’s newly created LGBTQ+ commission.

They said the group will be working to enhance health care equity, give a voice to the voiceless and establish the First State as a place where the LGBTQ+ community feels safe and welcomed.

“I personally feel really strong, very happy, that even though there’s a lot going on, that we as a community can still come together in many ways, stronger than in years prior,” said Cavazos.

DeLancey said everyone can play a part in creating unity.

“Don’t you be afraid, don’t you hide in the closet for being an ally, and be able to say, ‘I’m OK to support you,’ or ‘I’m OK to listen.’ That means a lot to anyone who’s LGBTQ, just to be able to have a friendly ear,” said DeLancey.