PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Pittsfield raised the LGBTQIA+ flag outside city hall Wednesday and Mayor Linda Tyer read a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month.

Dozens gathered on Allen Street for the brief ceremony kicking off Berkshire Pride’s weekend of planned events.

Berkshire Pride vice president Michael Taylor said it’s the seventh year for the weekend festival and the flag raising has helped grow their message of being a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.

“I think most importantly, having this symbolic flag here at city hall is just really to send a message to our community that we are welcoming,” Taylor said. “We are a welcoming city and that you are welcome to live your authentic self and you have a place here.

“Personally for me, as someone that is actually born and raised here in Pittsfield and didn't really have this growing up, to see this now is really just such a wonderful sentiment and something that I’m so proud to be able to do to help deliver to this community.”

This year’s theme for the week is “Every Day is Pride.” The biggest event planned for the weekend is the parade and festival held on the Pittsfield Common on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m.