I would like to share the speech I gave during the Pride raising of the flag ceremony as the co-chair of the DEI Commission of the town of Concord:
Dear friends and neighbors, today, as we raise the Pride flag in Concord, we affirm a simple but powerful truth: we belong here. Our LGBTQ+ community belongs in Concord. Our LGBTQ+ kids belong in Concord. Our LGBTQ+ parents belong in Concord. Our LGBTQ+ colleagues and neighbors belong in Concord.
This action is not just symbolic; it represents our shared values of inclusion, respect, and love. By raising the Pride flag, we declare that Concord is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter who they love or how they identify. It signifies that our town stands firmly against hate and discrimination and that we cherish the diversity that enriches our community.
Concord has a proud history of being at the forefront of social progress, from our role in the American Revolution to our legacy of championing individual rights and freedoms. Today, we continue this legacy by ensuring that all members of our community feel seen, valued, and safe.
Raising the Pride flag is an act of unity, not division. It shows that our commitment to liberty and justice for all is more than just words — it’s a promise we strive to live by every day. It demonstrates that Concord is a place where everyone can thrive, where differences are celebrated, and where the spirit of community is strong.
Let this flag be a beacon of hope and acceptance. Let it remind every LGBTQ+ person in Concord that they are not alone, that they are loved, and that they belong here.
Andrea Foncerrada
Commonwealth Avenue