Milan Marks Pride Month with Flag Raising

Milan marked the start of Pride Month with its annual Pride flag raising Monday, June 1, at the flagpole in front of Milan City Hall.

Community members gathered on the lawn for a short ceremony centered on belonging, visibility and support. Matt West and Elizabeth Satterly of ARC Allied opened the ceremony with brief remarks before Milan City Council member Shannon Wayne spoke.

Wayne said the gathering still matters at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility continues to face challenges.

“As I look around, it’s so many familiar faces, so many people that I’m proud to be here with,” Wayne said.

Wayne said she remembered when Milan City Council first voted to allow the Pride flag to be raised. Although she was not on council at the time, she said she was proud of how thoughtfully the city approached the decision.

“As we raise the Pride flag today, we’re doing more than just displaying vibrant color and spirit,” Wayne said. “We’re making a bold and joyful statement: You belong here.”

In her remarks, Wayne said the flag sends a message to LGBTQ+ residents, parents, youth, neighbors and colleagues that Milan is a welcoming place. She also described the ceremony as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still ahead.

“To the young people in our community who may be figuring out who they are, please look up at this flag and know that you are never alone,” Wayne said. “You are seen. You are loved. You are celebrated exactly as you are.”

After the remarks, Ben helped raise the Pride flag as attendees watched from the lawn. The flag took a moment to reach the top of the pole, drawing encouragement and cheers from the group.

Attendees then gathered for a group photo beneath the flag.

Organizers also noted ARC Allied’s Pride 2026, Milan’s fifth annual Pride celebration, from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Riverside Center, 45 Neckel Court. The all-ages, family-friendly event will celebrate Milan’s local LGBTQIA+ community. As the group gathered beneath the flag, the message was simple: Happy Pride Month.