TINIAN (Press Release) — On Thursday, June 23, the Municipality of Tinian concluded the activities for this year’s Pride Month with a “Sit at this table with PRIDE” ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, other members of the Tinian leadership and government officials, Haligi Aware, community members, and the LGBTIQ+ community gathered at the Tinian Pride Heart Monument unveiled for the first-time last year at the Tinian Natibu Park.
The ceremony focused on the significance of June as Pride Month and the newly placed outdoor marble tables enhancing the Tinian Pride Heart Monument site for the entire community to enjoy.
Acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider commended the people of Tinian on the new addition to the park and mentioned the importance of creating safe spaces for our LGBTIQ+ community. He ended his remarks by quoting a verse from a famous Bob Marley song.
Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, for his part, reiterated the work that we must do to continue to promote inclusiveness and advance equal rights until we have reached a state of equality for all. On behalf of the people of Tinian, he extended his appreciation to the 22nd Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation for funding the outdoor marble tables and to PSS Haligi Aware for partnering with us to make this year’s Pride Month activities possible.
This year’s special guest speaker was Frank Lee San Nicolas Borja from Project Haligi Aware. He spoke on the importance of allyship, its meaning, and how working together could positively impact marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ communities. He explained what Project Haligi Aware is and what the project intends to do.
He stated, “Partnerships like ours with the Tinian Mayor’s Office and Mayor Aldan, the Tinian Legislative Delegation and Leadership are important not only because it takes a village to raise a child. But when the child feels like the village doesn’t care for them, they can turn against it, making a strong village with partners; care is important because we need to make kids feel like they matter.”
Borja ended his special remarks with a story about one’s value.
Closing remarks were given by 18th Tinian Municipal Council Vice Chairwoman Thomasa Mendiola. She reminded everyone to spread love and respect others as we are all human beings in this world.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, light refreshments were served, and photos were taken.
The municipality jumpstarted its Pride Month activities with a roadside waving on June 1 and a Pride Month proclamation signing on June 7. They look forward to what next year has in store. Happy Pride Month, Marianas!
Acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Sen. Karl King-Nabors, 18th Tinian Municipal Council Vice Chairwoman Thomasa Mendiola, Director of Homeland Security Dennis Mendiola, PSS Haligi Aware’s Frank Lee Borja, and DFEMS Deputy Commissioner Ray Dela Cruz Jr. sit at a newly installed marble table.
Acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Senator Karl King-Nabors, 18th Tinian Municipal Council Vice Chairwoman Thomasa Mendiola, Director of Homeland Secutiry Dennis Mendiola, PSS Haligi Aware’s Frank Lee Borja, and JC Café’s Lot Bunao prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
