GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday proclaimed June as Pride Month in the CNMI.
The proclamation says that the Northern Marianas comprises diverse and vibrant cultures founded on the spirit of “inafa’maolek” and continuously strives to maintain and promote harmony.
“The CNMI community has built on remarkable progress to uplift, center and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities across generations, spanning every sexual orientation, and gender identity,” the proclamation added.
“With this declaration, our community vows that every month and every year, is the right time to shut the door on prejudice, discrimination, and ignorance. Instead, we choose love that sees no bounds. We Rise Above, And Lead with Love.”
This year’s theme is “Pride in Paradise – Rise Above, Lead with Love.”
Various activities will be held throughout the month.
Dr. Jennifer Maratita, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to CNMI officials and community members for their support.
Inspirational remarks were given by a youth, Phillip C. Aldan, and an adult, Roberto Santos.
“I was blessed with a family that accepted me and was always there to support me, as well as an amazing group of friends and a supportive church family,” Aldan said.
“I’ve always known that I was different. I always knew that I was gay, but I haven’t always accepted it….
“My journey to finding myself started in the sixth grade. I vaguely remember asking, ‘Who am I?’ That question stuck with me the whole day. Then, after a week, I looked at myself in the mirror and accepted who I was. I was done hiding and I was done being ashamed of it.”
According to Santos, “If there is one thing that I would like to communicate to you, my community, it is that I see you. I see you every day. I see you working. I see you hustling. I see you hiding, trying desperately just to be left alone. I see you trying so hard to focus on your ‘bida,’ your passion, while so many around you are asking you to stop being yourself….
“I see you. ‘You have to meet people where they’re at,’ they say. Where is that? I’m going this way: forward. And if you’re going forward, too, I’ll see you there, I promise.”
Torres, for his part, said, “Today is a good day for all of us. I want to thank and congratulate both inspirational speakers…. We are one, children of God…. Who you love is who you love. Who you decide to be with is your business. My take is to respect each other no matter who you are.”
The governor urges the entire Commonwealth to come together to recognize and support the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledge and celebrate their many contributions to society, and promote equality and liberty for all.
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and family pose for a photo with members of Pride Marianas, Pride Marianas Youth, the T-Project, local dignitaries, government officials, community partners, and other members of the community after the proclamation of June as CNMI Pride Month.
Governor Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation designating June as CNMI Pride Month.
