Hundreds gathered at the corner of Browncroft and Merchants Roads Saturday morning to unite in response to 2 rainbow flag burning incidents in the city.
The rally was put on by the North Winton Village Association, after reports of a rainbow flag being burnt at a home on Atlantic Avenue this week. Another flag was burnt on Marion Street.
People brought flags, crafts, donuts and ribbons to show support for the neighborhoods affected and the LGBTQ communities.
Emma Glaser was at the event with her mother Meghan. Emma is 15 years old and was passing out pins that they had made together, rainbow beads strung on to safety pins. She said seeing so many people show up was comforting.
Emma’s mother Meghan said the pins were a way to channel their emotions into something constructive.
"It was a nice way to kind of voice our own frustration, our own solidarity; something that we could actionably do about the situation going on."
The Glaser’s drove out from Fairport, and Meghan said this isn’t just a city issue, and hopes to see more events like this to engage the community and initiate actual change.
Toby Harris held up a homemade sign that read “Free Hugs, Free Love,” and said that their initial reaction to the events were anger.
"But then, I got overwhelmed with this feeling of empowerment. And if they want to hate us, then I’m going to love them right back, that’s my strongest weapon."
Mariah Sweet is from Brighton and came to the park with her husband and 3 children, carrying a giant rainbow flag. Bringing her kids was important she said, so they could see that when things like this happen, the community can support each other and keep going.
Mary Moore created the event and said she bought 120 flags to pass out, but those were gone in about 10 minutes. Luckily, plenty of participants brought their own, along with face paint, ribbon, and construction paper to make flags and other symbols of support.
Moore hopes these gatherings inspire people to interact with each other more.
"Let’s get rainbow flags, let’s put them on our houses, let’s talk to our neighbors, let’s look each other in the eyes, let’s give each other hugs, let’s support each other. No one should feel afraid in our community, that’s what this is about."