Yorktown Celebrates Gay Pride Month

The Town Board issued a proclamation Tuesday designating June as Gay Pride Month.

“The Town of Yorktown recognizes many contributions to our community, county, state and the nation by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals,” said Councilman Ed Lachterman, whose brother was a gay rights activist in New York City in the 1970s. “The Town of Yorktown recommits itself to support and accept all members of our community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or preference.”

The proclamation is the first time Yorktown has officially recognized Gay Pride Month, said Supervisor Matt Slater, who stressed the importance of the proclamation’s language.

“It’s that last line that gets me every time,” Supervisor Slater said of the proclamation. “That Yorktown stands as a community of hope, generosity and acceptance to everyone. I think that’s a very meaningful statement that we continue to uphold.”

The proclamation is part of the Town’s Gay Pride Month observances, which will culminate on June 12 with Yorktown’s first Pride March.

Hosted by Yorktown for Justice, Northern Westchester Pride! is a family-friendly event at Town Hall featuring speakers at noon followed by a march to Jack DeVito Memorial Field. At 1:30 p.m. a post-parade party will be held at the Yorktown Grille.