On June 6, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) proudly raised the Pride flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago, and at all MWRD water reclamation plants, marking the fifth consecutive year of this celebratory event. Watch the ceremony.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele kicked off the ceremony by acknowledging the historical significance of Pride Month. 

“The MWRD recognizes the month of June as Pride Month to pay homage to the June 28, 1969, raid at the Stonewall Inn, a place of celebration and community for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in New York City,” she said. "The uprising became the catalyst for a developing LGBT rights movement and the first Pride celebrations, including Chicago’s LGBT community in 1970. At the MWRD, we champion equality and opportunity all year long in our work to protect our water environment.”

The event celebrated the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirmed MWRD’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace. As part of its commitment to diversity and equality, the MWRD expanded employee benefits and healthcare coverage for same sex couples and approved a policy that promotes opportunities for small business enterprises owned and operated by members of the LGBT community. Under this policy, LGBT business enterprises have the opportunity to attend District vendor fairs, events, meetings and other activities that foster business opportunities with the MWRD.

“The MWRD has taken steps to serve as advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community, which includes policy to promote opportunities for small business enterprises owned and operated by members of the LGBT community,” said MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia. “If we take this year’s theme, “Pride as Power,” as motivation to better ourselves and to help our communities, we will not only enjoy a stronger MWRD enterprise, but we will help make a better future for everyone.”

Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis was recently selected to serve as a grand marshal with her husband Myles Brady-Davis at the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. She is the first openly Black trans woman appointed to public office in Cook County history and the first to serve on a water reclamation district in the US. 

“Pride is a protest, and that is what we are commemorating today,” said Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis. “It was the brave actions of those who refused to be refused at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. This month, let us renew our commitment to advocacy and support. Find ways to get involved—whether it's by supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations, attending events, or educating yourself about the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is a way of life.”

In addition to the LGBTQIA+ Pride flag raising at eight locations, the MWRD will host a special celebration in honor of Pride Month 2024 on June 20 at 4:45 p.m., at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie, Chicago. This event will highlight the importance of diversity and representation, while celebrating the invaluable contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals within our community. This year’s theme, "Pride is Power," underscores the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us in this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate together. Register for the event.