This weekend, the City of Burien learned that dozens of Pride flags that had been installed in downtown Burien had been removed and stolen. The poles that held the flags were also broken.
The flags had been installed by Discover Burien in support of Pride Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ people as well as commemorating the Stonewall riots that began on June 28, 1969.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Burien Police Department at (206) 296-3311.
“This kind of hatred towards our LGBTQIA+ community will not be tolerated in Burien,” said Councilmember Hugo Garcia, sponsor of this year’s Pride month proclamation. “We will only double down our commitments to celebrating with bigger and better Pride events, displays, and flags.”
“Burien is a place where we respect and support members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We continue to stand strong with all of you,” said Mayor Sofia Aragon.
The City sanctioned the installation of the flags on publicly owned light poles as they have done for several years. This year, the Burien City Council continued its annual tradition of issuing a proclamation supporting Pride month. A Pride flag, which was raised for the second year in a row at the beginning of this month, still flies over Burien City Hall.
Burien Pride, through Discover Burien, is accepting donations to pay for replacement of the flags and poles.