On the sunny morning of June 2nd, the Rainbow Lions Club hosted a “pride” -ful celebration in MHS’s front lawn to commemorate Pride Month´s commencement and to honor the raising of the Progress LGBTQIA+ flag.
The event, primarily hosted by the Rainbow Lions Club, was a collaboration between the club and the school. Principal Mr. Mastrangelo, and the club’s president, a now graduated senior, Lumi LeShane, officially made a statement before the raising, as well as giving out and selling trinkets and other pride merchandise, allowing students to embrace their identities.
Mastrangelo spoke to the crowd, introducing Malden High as one of the first schools to host a public flag-raising ceremony, followed by welcoming Superintendent Timothy Sippel, then the club and its president. The Rainbow Lions Club was applauded for its devotion to the community and contributions to spreading awareness.
“To be joyous is to resist oppression; it… opposes those who wish for us to suffer. Pride Month is solidarity, it’s defiance, it’s refusal to be silenced,” expressed Rainbow Lions member sophomore Helix Chen.
LeShane gave a powerful speech, reminiscing on the club’s beginnings, while also sharing concerns about how the LGBTQ+ community has faced hardships in recent months, with the future of the club and community being uncertain. Nevertheless, the Rainbow Lions have remained hopeful.
“I am so proud of not only the club, but the school. In the face of the terrifying state that the U.S. is in, we’re still allowed to stand here and wave our flag,” LeShane explained.
“This movement has never been weak. We will continue to fight just like those who fought years, decades, and centuries before we did.”
-Lumi Leshane
“I found the speech to be very moving, even though I was only there for a little while, I thought it was a nice moment,” expressed sophomore Keira Celicourt.
After LeShane’s heartfelt speech, the band and color guard team, led by band director Ms. Foley, performed “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.
“We started planning the choreography in March for it, knowing that the band was going to play,” explained Ms. Foley. “I think it’s really cool what the [Rainbow Lions] are doing, and I hope we collaborate more in the future.”
“I found it to be very welcoming, the union between the band and color guard,” shared sophomore and color guard member, Weiqi Du.
After their performances, speakers blasted songs of great reverence and popularity among the LGBTQ+ community, such as songs by singer-songwriter “Girl in Red” and “ME!” by Taylor Swift. For the remainder of Enrichment, students could bask in the sun and celebrate with a fun-filled event featuring music and encouragement to be themselves.
“Even if you’re not in the community yourself, stand up for others around you, even if you don’t have any personal connection to them, and most of all, be kind,” LeShane concluded.
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