CHICOPEE, Mass. - The city of Chicopee raised the pride flag in honor of pride month on Wednesday afternoon outside city hall.

Mayor John Vieau read a proclamation noting the City denounces discrimination of any kind, against anyone. Vieau said the city stands for equality and freedom and said all are welcome to live, work, and play in a safe and supportive community which is accepting of everyone. 

Chicopee's planning director Lee Pouliot and Cultural Council chair Johnny Miranda each shared the importance of raising the Pride flag in the community. 

"As a gay person, I remember being very young and being bullied about being gay before I even knew what that meant," Pouliot said. "That led to a very slow evolution and willingness to open myself up to self discovery and trying to understand who I was as a person. Eventually, that led to acceptance."

"This flag marks the start of pride month and is raised to remind the LGBTQ community of the pride they need to have as opposed to the shame many have been led to feel," Miranda said.

State representative Jake Olivera and Senator Adam Gomez also spoke at the ceremony.

The cultural council is holding a pride fest on June 26 on Center street with live entertainment and music.