Washtenaw Communities Celebrate Pride Month

Chelsea

By Matt Rosentreter

Equality Chelsea celebrated its 9th annual Pride parade on June 6, featuring speakers from local and state governments. Over 160 attendees joined for the picnic and festivities after the march.

“Let us keep building a community with deep roots and an open heart, and a community that honors its history, while still making room for the future,” Chelsea City Manager Elle Cole said in her speech. “And let us say together, by how we show up today and how we live tomorrow, there is room for more presence, more dignity, more justice, more respect, more joy, and belonging.”

Chelsea Equality was also recognized on behalf of State Senator Sue Shink and given special tribute for their work in the local community.

“Since its inception in June 2017, Chelsea Pride has stood as a beacon of inclusion, driven by a profound spirit of collaboration among residents, religious institutions, and city leaders,” the tribute reads.

Milan

By Heather Finch and Sue Kelch

Milan’s fifth Pride Parade brought residents, families and local advocates downtown June 6 with a message of love, visibility and support for LGBTQIA+ residents and supporters.

Organizer Laura Russeau said the parade was worth holding, even with a smaller group, because visibility matters. Participants walked through downtown Milan with Pride flags, rainbow umbrellas, signs and an inflatable unicorn before gathering for photos outside Milan City Hall.

The parade also carried a message of resilience after a Pride flag outside The Bridge United Methodist Church was found on the ground before the event and later carried in the march.

Milan also hosted an additional Pride Celebration on June 14, which included a drag story time, a drag musical performance, a DJ, selfie station, and photo booth. The celebration was an all-age-friendly family-friendly with an arts and crafts corner, Kona Ice Truck and food provided for all attendees.

Saline

By Matt Rosentreter

Saline’s annual Pride event looked different than previous years; instead of a picnic at the park, there was a small gathering outside city hall that included Congress member Debbie Dingell, Mayor Brian Marl and council members Nicole Rice and Tramane Halsh. 

“I think having it at City Hall is a statement in and of itself, because I think it shows that the city cares,” Halsh said. “I always say that it’s one thing to be tolerated, it’s another thing to be affirmed, and so I think having it at City Hall is a way for our city to affirm the community.”

Saline District Library also had a table at the event where attendees could do arts and crafts. Dena Moscheck, Head of Youth Services at the library, hosted a brief reading of children’s books that taught about the history of Pride.