Worthy Point of View: Progress Pride flags flying in Worthington
Worthington residents and visitors will see the Progress Pride flag being flown in our historic downtown area this June in celebration of Pride Month.
The purpose of this is straightforward: to affirm the vital importance and many contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities to our overall social fabric. Moreover, as we witness efforts abroad and at home to deny full equality and basic dignity to the diverse LGBTQ+ community, it is crucial that forward-thinking communities like Worthington publicly demonstrate our determination to build a better world – a world where diversity is seen as a defining hallmark of a creative, abundant and healthy culture.
The flying of these flags was made possible last month when City Council crafted and approved a commemorative flag policy, which enables the city to purchase and fly flags on city property to recognize important causes, historic events, people or other themes, as determined and supported by council. This policy provides another means for our community, acting through council, to give visual expression to matters of public importance. It should be noted that the flying of these flags on city property represents “city speech,” and the policy has been carefully vetted to avoid any conflicts with First Amendment free-speech rights of the general public.
I recommended the Progress Pride flag to the full council after dialoging with Worthington Pride, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, because of the flag’s emphasis on inclusion and progression. Council unanimously supported this choice. The flag was developed in 2018 by graphic designer Daniel Quasar, who added a five-color chevron to the classic rainbow flag, which is widely recognized as the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. The Progress Pride flag adds black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, along with the colors pink, light blue and white, which are used on the transgender pride flag.
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Worthington, as most readers will know, has a long history – dating back to abolitionist groups during the Antebellum period – of supporting social-justice movements. In recent decades, our commitment to a more inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our community has been promoted through the work of our Community Relations Commission, actions at City Council and other community initiatives.
In 2019, council approved a nondiscrimination ordinance ensuring equal treatment of all persons regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.
The ordinance subsequently was amended to include housing discrimination based on source of income. This seemingly small but very important change was designed to provide opportunities to individuals and families who want to live in Worthington but could have been prevented from doing so because of groundless bias. The city was thorough and measured in explaining this change in policy to property owners and landlords throughout Worthington before enactment and, in this way, achieved a positive good without disruption.
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In 2020, following the killing of George Floyd, City Council approved a resolution “Recognizing the Impacts of Racism, Condemning Racism in All Forms, and Committing to Promote Racial Equity,” giving voice to a renewed devotion to promoting tolerance, respect and inclusion in Worthington. This process to which we are committed, rooted in core American ideals, is ongoing and as long-term as the nation itself.
Further, the recent visioning process affirmed that issues of diversity and equality are of central importance to our community that warrant continued engagement. The related vision states that Worthington is committed to systems, processes, resources, employment and public services that are accessible and fair for all. How we as a community will choose to advance this vision is a task now before us.
In light of our history, actions and aspirations, I believe that Pride Month is not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for all Worthington citizens. The Progress Pride flags signal and celebrate our commitments and values and tell the world who we are and where we are going.
David Robinson is the Worthington City Council president.
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Worthy Point of View: Progress Pride flags flying in Worthington
