The west suburban city of Berwyn is celebrating pride again this year. Openly gay Berwyn Ald. Scott Lennon said they will be repeating a march his own brother, Gary, started last year, when a Pride Walk happened in the Depot District with about 25 friends, neighbors and relatives.
"It was last minute and this year he wants to keep the movement going," Scott Lennon said. "This year we created an event on facebook. My brother is also openly gay and we both together take pride in seeing how the elected officials, the mayor and our residents are welcoming to all of us here in the city."
The Pride Walk will be Sat., June 23, starting at 2 p.m. at 7138 Windsor Ave. in Berwyn.
During the June 12 Berwyn City Council meeting, Mayor Robert J. Lovero presented a Proclamation declaring June 2018 as PRIDE Month in the City of Berwyn.
"As a gay alderman, I stand proud with City Clerk Marge Paul, 2nd Ward Ald. Jose Ramirez and 3rd ward Ald. Jeannie Reardon along with 4th Ward Ald. Bob Fejt, 5th Ward Ald. Cesar Santoy, 6th Ward Ald. Alicia Ruiz, 7th Ward Ald. Ralph Avila and 8th Ward Ald. Edgar Garcia who have always been advocates for diversity within our city," Lennon said. "We currently have four elected City Council members who are openly gay or lesbian.
"The City of Berwyn is committed to being a safe, welcoming and equitable community for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, country of origin or any other identity."
After gathering outside the James Joyce on Windsor and Harlem, the group will walk to Karasek Park where there will be a few guest speakers and then travel down to Lavergne's on East and Windsor. Lavergne's is a family-friendly bar and restaurant with an outside patio. "Bring your family, friends, neighbors and dogs," Lennon said. "All are welcome! We hope you can join us and celebrate Pride and Diversity here in the City of Berwyn."
See www.facebook.com/events/212397712893338/ .
Also see www.whyberwyn.com/living/lgbtq-pride/ .
City proclamation here: www.whyberwyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pride-Month-Proclamation-June-2018.pdf .