The Rainbow with the American Flag Will be Displayed Permanently in a Michigan City

The Rainbow Flag flies beneath the American flag at the Stonewall National Monument, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, in New York. The Rainbow Flag, an international symbol of LGBT liberation and pride, was flown for the first time at the monument. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) 

I thought this small step deserved a mention because it is only a beginning representing a community full of heroes and heroines that have shown the world not only how to die but more importantly how to live and this is only a few years since the revolution of StoneWall. Adam

The City of Ferndale has become one of the first government municipalities in the United States to officially and permanently display the LGBT Pride flag in its city council chambers.

According to a news release issued by the city in Metro Detroit, the "historic" move was approved by Mayor Dave Coulter and city council on Oct. 23.

"Our motto in Ferndale is 'Good Neighbors,' and we interpret that to include the diversity of our residents and guests and the benefits of inclusive decision-making," Coulter said in a statement. "My fellow Council members and I strive to act in ways reflective of Ferndale's shared values."  

Ferndale was recently recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in America. 

These are the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Michigan

Three Michigan cities received perfect scores in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's report identifying the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in the United States.

A short ceremony honoring key Ferndale LGBT community leaders, past, and present was held on Monday, city officials said. 

"I hope our residents will see this as an opportunity to once again embrace the differences in all our 'good neighbors'," Coulter said.

"In doing so, I believe we will see that the flag represents more than LGBT rights. The rainbow of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple--representing life, healing, sunlight, nature, art, and spirit--stand as vibrant symbols of hope for the entire community. As mayor, I can think of no better symbol of the power of unity and what our town stands for than the values symbolized in this flag."

Detroit News