Water connects us, Pride unites us: MWRD flag raising and program promotes LGBTQ pride, inclusion and water

Water connects us, Pride unites us: MWRD flag raising and program promotes LGBTQ pride, inclusion and water

The Pride flag now flies above facilities at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) for the month of June where the MWRD held a program connecting MWRD officials with city, county and federal leaders sharing their expertise in water management.

Following a flag raising and ceremony at its McGowan Main Office building and seven water reclamation plants in observance of Pride Month, the MWRD held a program that highlighted the role of resilience and unity. The MWRD welcomed keynote speaker retired Federal Emergency Management Specialist (FEMA) Mary DeBacker, and Chicago Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward) and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor (9th District) for remarks and a panel discussion with MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis on the importance of inclusion and community partnership in managing the region's water resources.

"Raising the Pride flag means recognizing and honoring the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as all who proudly celebrate Pride Month," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "At the MWRD, we believe inclusion strengthens our organization, and we are dedicated to creating a space where all identities are respected and empowered."

The annual Pride Month flag raising and gathering was themed "Water Connects Us, Pride Unites Us." Ald. Hadden talked about the challenges of managing fluctuating lake levels and lakefront erosion along with aging infrastructure for vulnerable communities, while Commissioner Trevor discussed flooding along the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek and the partnerships required to protect the quality of the waterways. DeBacker likened the work in protecting the water environment against the face of climate change to riding a bike in headwind. There will be drought, more intense rain, wind and warmer conditions and the MWRD will be challenged with building and managing the infrastructure to counter these extreme weather events, but through partners and collaboration the work can be achieved.

"Life is better with a tailwind, but if you don't have one, get a group and ride it out together," DeBacker said.

The LGBTQ+ community is a vital and growing part of the social and economic fabric of Chicago and Cook County. An estimated 146,000 Chicago adults, about 7.5 percent of the city's population, identify as LGBTQ+. This community contributes to the local workforce, culture, neighborhoods, and its wellbeing is directly tied to the wellbeing of the region.

"Pride is a moment to reflect on how institutions like the MWRD can help build a more inclusive, equitable future for all," said MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia. "Here in Chicago and Cook County, the LGBTQ+ community is a vital and growing part of our social and economic fabric."

But Pride Month also acknowledges the challenges that persist. Many in the community struggle with basic income and living wages, followed closely by discrimination, community safety, employment barriers, and access to healthcare.

"As we raise the pride flag today, this is more than a celebration," said Commissioner Brady-Davis. "This is a declaration that every person deserves dignity, that every person belongs, and that our work for equality is far from finished."

To view the flag raising program, visit https://youtu.be/U8JDw8ufI_M. To view the Pride Month program, visit: https://youtu.be/oFjBD7WCtCQ.