For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 22, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 22, 2020 — Councilmember Evan Glass will donate the flag that was flown for Pride month to Montgomery History during its annual conference on January 25. Councilmember Glass made history in Montgomery County by flying the Pride flag next to the Executive Office Building for the first time on June 10, 2019. Councilmember Glass, who also is the county's first LGBTQ+ councilmember, led this historic flag raising and launched a series of inaugural Pride events to recognize the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Montgomery History is the County’s officially designated historical society.
While most viewed these actions as powerful ways to recognize Montgomery County’s diverse and welcoming community, there were many others in the county and across the country who expressed anger and called for the flag to be removed and events to be canceled.
“We live in a beautifully diverse community and the Pride flag is a symbol and reminder of the ongoing civil rights struggle for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Councilmember Glass. “Today, more than ever, every resident of Montgomery County deserves to feel safe living their lives as they truly are. I am proud to donate this historic symbol so that years from now, residents of Montgomery County can reflect upon the progress we have made.”
Councilmember Glass will present the Pride flag at the 14th annual Montgomery County History Conference on Saturday, January 25 at 8 a.m. at the Montgomery College Germantown Campus’ Bioscience Education Center.
“The Pride flag that flew over the County Office Building represents a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in Montgomery County,” said Matt Logan, executive director of Montgomery History. “It is an icon that celebrates inclusivity and diversity, values espoused by the current County Council and County Executive. Councilmember Evan Glass’ election as the first openly gay councilmember further underscores the significance of this flag. Montgomery History is adding it to our permanent artifact collection as it will enable future generation to understand the values and political climate of Montgomery County in the first quarter of the 21st century.”
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Release ID: 20-023