Vallejo Gay Network coordinator and chair of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Solano County, Thomas Bilbo speaks at a Pride Flag event at Vallejo City Hall on Monday morning. (Courtesy photo by Andrea Sorce)
The flag that hangs outside numerous buildings in Vallejo this month is six colors, representing a rainbow. But for millions across the world that flag represents more than just red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
It represents safety, belonging, unity, and visibility — especially in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit communities.
Although some buildings in Vallejo kicked off Pride over the weekend, other venues such as City Hall, the Florence Douglas Senior Center and Greater Vallejo Recreation District had events on Monday to let the gay community know it is welcome.
“It’s fantastic to see the City of Vallejo once again renew a public commitment of showing support for our city’s diversity by raising the LGBTQ Pride Flag,” said Thomas Bilbo, Vallejo Gay Network coordinator and chair of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Solano County. “Only through this continued great partnership do events like this happen.”
Bilbo’s comments echoed the ones released by Vallejo City Staff on Monday.
“Our city is a welcoming place where everyone is celebrated for who they are, no matter their partner preference or identity,” the statement read. “Let’s come together to spread love, acceptance, and unity. Together, we make Vallejo a vibrant community where love blooms for everyone.”
Local dignitaries at the Vallejo City Hall event included new City Manager Andrew Murray, Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell, Vice Mayor Mina Loera-Diaz and Councilmembers Cristina Arriola, J.R. Matulac and Rozzana Verder-Aliga.
“I think that the Pride flag at City Hall demonstrates our commitment to instill Pride in our community, and the LBGTQ+ who are still facing discrimination,” Arriola said. “We’ve come a long way, but support and educating our youth who are coping with identification is of primary concern for the next generation of the LBGTQ+ community.”
During the City Hall event, Vallejo honored Rick Duran and Richard Johnson, longtime advocates in the gay community. Duran once ran the Vallejo Gay Network and helped start Vallejo Pride Picnic in 1998 with a barbecue event among neighbors of the same residential block. That event continues to this day and will take place Sunday at Alden Park.
“It’s important to recognize the group of people and residents for how deeply involved they are with the community,” McConnell said. “We want to acknowledge their value and contributions.”
Bilbo said that the Vallejo Gay Network and other Vallejo based groups are looking forward to having a fantastic Pride weekend in Vallejo June 7-9. Two events are planned at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum Friday and Saturday, with the weekend culminating in the 26th annual Pride Picnic on Mare Island on Sunday.
