This June, the Town of Hillsborough will pursue a new strategy to publicly display its support for the LGBTQ+ community.

During a virtual work session on Monday, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase and fly rainbow Pride flags throughout the town during the month of June, the nationally-recognized period of LGBT pride.

LGBT Pride Month was only declared in Hillsborough beginning in 2019. While Mayor Jenn Weaver and Town Commissioner Matt Hughes intended to acquire and fly a set of rainbow flags last year, the plans were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Hughes officially brought the proposition to the board.

“Hillsborough has long supported LGBTQ+ rights as an organization, just more quietly,” Weaver told 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell. “The friendliness as an organization has long-existed, but I do think it’s really important to be visibly supportive, especially with the climate of oppression and violence toward the LGBT community.”

“It feels a little bit overdue,” Weaver said during Monday’s remote work session.

Hughes suggested flying approximately 30 of the flags throughout the month, and expressed the desire to source them from the Hillsborough-based Carrot-Top Industries or another local business.

“I think that this would be a very visible sign for folks regarding the inclusivity of Hillsborough,” said Hughes.

Earlier this year, Hillsborough became the first municipality in North Carolina to pass an ordinance protecting its LGBT residents from discrimination after a key provision of House Bill 142 expired.

The full work session can be viewed on the town’s YouTube channel. More information about Hillsborough’s Board of Commissioners and its activities can be found on the town’s website.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
Here's the Complete Banner Schedule for Downtown Hillsborough This Summer
Throughout the summer, the Town of Hillsborough will display a rotation of street banners to honor holidays and celebrate Pride Month. Here’s a complete schedule of which banners can be seen when: May 25-June 1 — U.S. and state flag banners to recognize Memorial Day June 1-15 — Pride flag banners to recognize LGBTQ Pride […]
Hillsborough: Wolf-Dogs, Town Flags and Tomato Pies
Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to share some updates from around her town. She discusses the nearly-finished reservoir expansion project, as well as a recent discovery about town flags on display and an upcoming event celebrating tomatoes.
Hillsborough Parking Study Underway; Town Asks for Community Input
As Hillsborough continues to plan for the future, the town government is asking for feedback on where people prefer to park their vehicles.
New Italian Restaurant Coming to Former Radius Pizzeria Space in Hillsborough
Serratore’s Pizza and Pasta, a new Italian-American restaurant headed by local chef Josh Decarolis, will open this summer in the space formerly occupied by Radius Pizzeria and Pub at 112 North Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough. A specific opening date was not provided. Decarolis is a Hillsborough resident and is a partner in two other […]
'Financial Disaster': Cancelled FEMA Program Leaves Hillsborough Pump Station Project $6 Million Short
Hillsborough is now scrambling for ways to move forward with relocating its River Pump Station, a critical water and sewer project.
Hillsborough: America 250 Preparation, Entering Budget Season and A Creek Workshop
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, Feb. 25. He details a brief town commissioner work session from Monday night, which primarily consisted of brainstorming ideas for how the local government will celebrate the country’s 250th founding over the next year. Bell also previews the board’s upcoming […]
Hillsborough Passes Ordinance to Curb Feeding Wildlife – Including Vultures
The Town of Hillsborough now prohibits feeding or attracting most wildlife within town limits, updating its ordinance in an attempt to curb the nuisances or safety risks brought by certain species. The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an addition to its Regulation and Control of Animals ordinance on the consent agenda during its Feb. […]
Orange County Reports Positive Rabies Test on Raccoon in Hillsborough
Orange County Animal Services has reported a positive rabies test on a deceased raccoon found in Hillsborough. On February 3, animal control received a call from a resident reporting their dog coming into contact with the raccoon near Joseph Road, located north of downtown Hillsborough off of Walnut Grove Church Road. The raccoon was retrieved […]
Hillsborough Man Charged With Multiple Counts of Child Exploitation
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hillsborough man Friday and have charged him with 15 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The sheriff’s office says Christopher M. Watson, 45, turned himself in at the magistrate’s office, immediately posted a $7,500 secure bond and appeared in court Monday afternoon. According to the sheriff’s […]
'Large, Unnatural Numbers': Neighbors' Dispute Over Vultures Puts Hillsborough in Odd Position
The Town of Hillsborough is considering an ordinance against feeding wild animals — in part because one resident has regularly fed vultures.
›