City Hall hosts LGBTQ+ flag raising

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An annual LGBTQ+ Pride flag raising event in honor of Pride Month took place in front of Hollister City Hall on June 13, which Mayor Roxanne Stephens said sends an important message to the community. 

“We are all one,” Stephens said. “It’s a symbol of honor and love for the community and of people living their own lives and being themselves.” 

Stephens noted there was some controversy in 2018 when the event first took place but that has largely faded away. 

“Some people were not really happy about it,” she said. “But it seems like with time, they realized that it doesn’t really matter who we are. I think it has become more celebrated and accepted, so things have changed a bit.” 

Hollister resident Analuz Deleo, who helped raise the flag during the ceremony, said she wanted to celebrate with the community because she said it is such an honor to be there to raise the flag. 

“Pride Month to me means really coming to the forefront,” Deleo said. “I find it special that others are willing to celebrate with me during this month. Especially as a Latina queer woman, it should be every day of the year.” 

She said she wasn’t sure what to expect before she came, and was honored to be asked to raise the flag with Alison McNeilly.

“I think it’s more important than ever,” Deleo said, “to show up, speak up, be visible and stand for what we believe in. But more importantly, to stand for our own lives and the way we want to live.”

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