Weymouth Pride Project Works To Support LGBTQ+ Individuals

WEYMOUTH, MA —Pride Month is less than two weeks away, and a Weymouth group is doing all they can to help get the word out and show their support for members of their community.

The Weymouth Pride Project was established only a year ago but has already received tremendous support from residents and businesses across the South Shore town. It was designed to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer residents and promote Weymouth as a welcoming community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

After kicking off in February 2021, Weymouth Pride Project's main focus was on getting free flags to as many residents who wanted them in an effort to show visibility and support.

"The response was tremendous, we gave away 700 flags between February and June last year," Michael Yavorsky, a volunteer of Weymouth Pride Project told Patch.

Yavorsky and his wife are among the five or six main individuals who have been working on the Weymouth Pride Project team together since last year to help promote LGBTQ+ individuals in Weymouth.

"My wife became concerned about it when she saw surrounding towns doing pride activities and realized Weymouth had none, so she encouraged myself and some friends to help out," Yavorsky said. "We were also a little concerned if the town was going to be a caring and including environment at first, but we were pleasantly surprised with the flow of support."

Yavorsky went on to explain just how important their outreach is.

"One of our members, who is a gay individual and has been married to his partner for 18 years left Weymouth nearly two decades ago because he felt discriminated against," Yavorsky said. "It was very moving for him to see the reception the group was getting and he continues to be overwhelmed with signs of support he and the community are getting now from everyone in the town."

This year, they're petitioning the Superintendent of Weymouth schools to enable the high school to fly a pride flag under the American flag, and paint one of the crosswalks in pride colors.

The school committee was supportive, but Yavorsky says he wants to make sure Superintendent Robert Wargo realizes how much support there is for these kinds of actions. Wargo has been considering these requests for a few weeks and they are hoping for a positive response.

Yavorsky says they also reached out to the town council with the help of councilor Lisa Belmarsh. "We're hoping to hear from the mayor or the town council, but there was no inclination that they would issue a proclamation - I guess the request is still outstanding," Yavorsky said. "But they did make one for the local garden club."

Last year, the group was able to partake in a flag-raising for South Shore Hospital and will do another on June 1 of this year.

"It's both gratifying and amazing how many people came up and said how happy they were seeing this many people showing support," Yavorsky said in reference to their parade presence and partnership with Weymouth High School's Human Rights Coalition.

After donating two $500 scholarships to Weymouth High School seniors last year, the group gave another $500 scholarship last month to a senior who demonstrated support for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The group is participating in a variety of events and activities to get Weymouth Pride out in the community. On Sunday, May 22, there will be a family-friendly gathering at Barrel House Z from 4 to 9 p.m.

For more information on upcoming events, how to receive a pride flag, or to donate to the cause check out Weymouth Pride Project's Facebook page here.