Dozens gathered in front of Syracuse City Hall Monday to mark the start of CNY Pride Week with the raising of the rainbow flag. The annual event gives the LGBT community and its supporters a chance to reflect on progress made on equal rights and the challenges remaining.
Locally, Syracuse has been a leader in recognizing gay rights with others following suit. The city adopted a law in 1990 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, public accommodations, and housing.
Onondaga County followed in 1998, and New York State in 2002. Now Mayor Stephanie Miner is urging the state legislature to go a step further to protect transgender people, the "T" in LGBT.
CNY Pride week activities include an interfaith service of thanksgiving Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Unity Church on W. Seneca Tpke in the valley. On Wednesday, the film "I Am Divine" will screen at ArtRage on Hawley ave from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The week's events wrap up with the parade Saturday, with Rev. Craig Harrick of First English Lutheran Church serving as grand marshal.
