While the COVID-19 pandemic has made most community gatherings difficult or impossible, cities are still recognizing their residents.
In Cupertino Wednesday, the city hosted its second annual Pride Flag raising, with an event over Zoom. June is LGBTQ Pride Month across the country, recognizing the communities’ contributions to American society and culture.
“It is important to celebrate pride month in Cupertino to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community and to declare that Cupertino is an inclusive city and is accepting of people of all genders and orientations,” Cupertino Mayor Steven Scharf said during the event.
Remarks preceded the raising of the flag, donated by local group Cupertino for All, outside of City Hall.
Assemblymember Evan Low, via video, thanked the city and honed in on the need for mutual understanding.
“Let’s continue to enjoy in each other’s love, respect, and compassion,” Low said.
Kilani Louis joined from the county’s office of LGBTQ affairs, which was first of its kind in the country.
“Our communities are very clearly threatened and there is still so much work to do,” Louis said.
While the pandemic has forced a reimagining of services, the agency is still up and running.
“We do remain committed to serving all of our diverse LGBTQ residents county wide,” Louis added.
Other cities have moved Pride events online, including the Santa Clara City Library. The Library is running its Pride 2020 Challenge with online programs, book recommendations and resources.