Photos: Officials raise pride flag in City Hall ceremony

Richmond government officials held a ceremony on Friday morning to mark the start of Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.

Several more events are scheduled throughout the month, including a block party lunch next Friday at City Hall.

On June 11, the Allianz Amphitheater will host "OutLoud RVA Happy Hour," a free event, and on June 12 the Richmond Flying Squirrels will host a Pride Night, which will be a ticketed event.

Participating local restaurants will offer "Dine Out for Pride" from June 21-27. More events can be found here.

Photos:

Aneesah Smith, Equity & Inclusion Advisor for Richmond City's Office of Equity and Inclusion welcomed guests to the city's annual Pride flag-raising ceremony. (Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian for The Richmonder)

Richmonders sported accessories while gathered outside of City Hall. The event was held in partnership with Virginia Pride, Diversity Richmond and other community organizations.

James Millner, VA Pride Director, speaks at the ceremony.

Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, Executive Director at Diversity Richmond, speaks during the event.

Qing Imzadi with URGC/Black Pride RVA, speaks during the event.

Sunflower Mo, a spoken word artist, performed during the event.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula speaks at the ceremony.

Mayor Danny Avula and City Councilmember Kenya Gibson presented the 2026 Pride Month Proclamation to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community.

Officials gather for a photo after Friday's ceremony.

What's Next

One day after Squirrels owner’s lawsuit, the city announces agreements with VCU, but uncertainties remain

At least one of those deals is contingent on the Flying Squirrels coming to a separate agreement with VCU, which has not happened.

Rock star: Her painted rocks are spreading joy across the globe

Turning her attention to Kindness Rocks has led her into an unexpected community of fellow enthusiasts.

Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballpark

As Richmond officials celebrated the opening night of the city’s new baseball stadium last month, a tense conversation happened in a hallway near the team offices of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

January’s ice storm inspires a reworking of city rules on who must clear sidewalks

For properties with three or more housing units, sidewalk-shoveling responsibilities fall to the landlord.

Sign up for The Richmonder

What's Next