Westchester County began LGBTQ+ Pride Month with its Annual Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building. The event was organized by the County’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. It gathered residents, community leaders, elected officials, and advocates to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community.
During the ceremony, Judy Troilo, a longtime advocate and former Chief Executive Officer of The Loft, received the Westchester County LGBTQ+ Leadership Award. Ken Jenkins remarked on the significance of the event: “This flag raising is a declaration that everyone in Westchester deserves to live openly, safely and proudly. Pride Month is also an opportunity to uplift voices that have too often gone unheard and to reflect on the progress made. One of those voices is Judy Troilo. Judy’s legacy is a reminder of what advocacy, courage and commitment can accomplish.”
Rachel Simon, Chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Board, emphasized honoring past achievements while acknowledging ongoing efforts: “During Pride Month, we take the time honor our community’s past and embrace the work that still lies ahead.”
Michael Sabatino from the LGBTQ Advisory Board highlighted both celebration and awareness: “Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection and visibility for our County’s LGBTQ+ community.”
Judy Troilo expressed her gratitude for being recognized: “It is truly an honor to be recognized by Westchester County.” Dante R.H. Reda, CEO of The Loft, praised Troilo’s contributions: “Raising the Progress Pride Flag is more than symbolic; it’s a powerful affirmation that we are still here… There is no better way to begin Pride Month than by honoring the extraordinary legacy of Judy Troilo.”
Pride Month occurs nationally each June in remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Since 2019, Westchester has flown the Progress Pride Flag at its Michaelian Office Building as a testament to its dedication to diversity.
