While it’s gotten more divisive in recent years, I do believe pride can be a great unifier and bring us together in celebration and recognition of our shared humanity, love, and diversity. While the basics of the human experience might be universal, there are different groups of people who have struggled with the pursuit of happiness because of society’s slow pace towards progress.
It’s great seeing so many communities host pride events, whether it be via a parade, festival, walk, or some unique way to bring people together. Pride events can help promote an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity while creating a safe place to truly be your authentic self. The strong sense of community and support from fellow LGBTQ+ people and allies can be extremely helpful to those struggling with their sexuality or gender identity. It can give you a sense of not being so alone in your journey. That there are others out there like you and who share your values.
During Pride Month in particular, the focus can feel external, the progress made on equal rights, the policy work still ahead, the acceptance or lack thereof from others, but at the heart of the often colorful display of self-expression is a personal journey towards self-acceptance and selflove. Pride helps individuals feel seen and valued.
Creating a more inclusive society, free from harm and discrimination of marginalized communities, takes deliberate and intentional leadership from those within positions of power.
Our words and actions, at any level of government, matter and can literally save lives. 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Our youth are watching what their leaders are doing. County government has historically taken a back seat to using its regional voice and position to make an impact for our LGBTQ+ constituents. No longer.
Last year, the York County Commission voted to declare June 2023 Pride Month, after I introduced the proclamation. It was the first time in our long history of county existence, since 1636, that we passed a pride proclamation. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find another county passing a similar measure. York County is leading thanks to my insistence. I introduced the motion again this year to continue our new county tradition of recognizing Pride Month. I’m proud to report it passed again for the second year in a row.
One of the most validating things after passing the proclamation, has been the reaction of county staff who pulled me aside privately to thank me for not being afraid to elevate this topic, even in the face of fellow commissioners and even some public opposition. For them, it’s about the county valuing their existence and seeing their family for exactly who they are. The county commission is using our words and policy tools at our disposal to lift up our LGBTQ+ families rather than to ignore or tear them down.
When the leading national LGBTQ+ publication, The Advocate Magazine, named me to their list of the 40 Under 40 most accomplished leaders in the country back in 2013, I knew I needed to make sure my public service meant something greater than myself individually. When you are the first of something or the only one in the room that is of a certain background or experience, you can’t help but bring those experiences to the forefront. By default, you wear that representation on your sleeve as decisions are being made.
While I didn’t run to make history, being elected in 2022 as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the York County Commission sent a strong message that our county was ready for diverse leadership. It’s striking to me that it took until we actually had an openly gay commissioner on the board, before we passed such a simple recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in our county. Policy decisions and outcomes are greatly improved by having diverse voices at the table and leaders with varying lived experiences. This is something I saw firsthand as the youngest openly gay lawmaker in the entire country back in 2012 and the only LGBTQ+ member of the Maine Senate between 2016-2020.
Pride is so much more than colorful flags, parades, and festivals. It represents a literal lifeline to so many people and voices that have felt marginalized and less than for so long. We can say with pride in our hearts that in York County, diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Justin Chenette is the County Commissioner for Saco, OOB, Hollis, and Buxton and is a former State Senator. He serves on the Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission, Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee, and provides college scholarships through his foundation. He is the author of “The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids’ Guide to the Maine Legislature.” Get county updates at CommissionerChenette.com and email him at jchenette@yorkcountymaine.gov.
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