Swampscott will host its Town Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Town Hall lawn

The event will feature a 5K race, live performances, face painting, lawn games, local artisans, and food and drink vendors.

“Bring your friends, family and pride – everyone is welcome,” the town posted to Facebook.

To register for the 5K race, visit swampscott.recdesk.com.

Pride Month is observed each June to celebrate LGBTQ pride and the contributions lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals have made to their communities. The celebration coincides with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, which were a series of gay liberation protests. Former President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation in 1999 designating June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” Former President Barack Obama later expanded the recognition in 2011 to include the entirety of the LGBTQ community. 

The Swampscott Select Board read a Pride Month proclamation during its June 3 meeting.

“Whereas our nation and community were founded on principles of equal rights for all and whereas Swampscott is committed to being an inclusive, welcoming community for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and recognizes that our diversity strengthens us, including residents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning,” Chair Katie Phelan read.

In the proclamation, Phelan highlighted both the progress made by the LGBTQ community and concerns about rising violence against LGBTQ individuals.

“We must continue to affirm a simple truth. All people want to love and be loved, and whereas Swampscott celebrates its diverse LGBTQ community and remains committed to ensuring equality for all residents, employees and visitors and therefore,” Phelan read, “we hereby proclaim June as Pride Month in the town of Swampscott, Massachusetts and encourage all residents to celebrate and affirm our pride and diverse LGBTQ community throughout the year.”