SEATTLE — Pride Month is officially underway in Seattle.
City officials, the LGBTQIA+ Commission, and community leaders attended a flag raising event at City Hall Wednesday morning.
"It was the first place where I found my community and to see so many people so happy about being their authentic self was kind of a powerful moment," said Krystal Marx, Executive Director.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said the LGBTQIA+ community has been "a vital and integral part of this great Seattle community, leading the country on the issues of equality and inclusion."
Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales said it is important to note that pride "didn't start out as waving rainbow flags and parades."
"Pride was and is a display of resistance," Morales said. "It commemorates the Stonewall Riots in New York City."
This year marks a return to the celebration being fully in-person following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Marx. That includes the parade, scheduled June 26.
"It feels like we're finally back to normal," Marx said. "It's like this sigh of relief in a way."
King County Metro Operator Johnathon Futch was selected as one of the grand marshals of the 48th pride parade. Representing essential workers through the COVID-19 pandemic, Futch received his sash at Metro's Central Base from Community Grand Marshal Gaysha Starr.
“This is a great honor, representing so many communities in one parade,” Futch said. “There were so many essential workers, workers who didn’t hesitate to stay with their jobs because they knew they were providing vital services. I’m proud to represent my Metro family and very proud to help celebrate and recognize those in the LGBTQIA+ community who helped perform these services every day.”