On Thursday, June 8, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined the weeklong celebration of Brooklyn Gay Pride and honored outstanding members of the LGBT community with a ceremony at Borough Hall. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Peter Fleming, and the Brooklyn Pride organization were recognized for their passion and work for visibility, community service, and equality in Brooklyn and the world at large.

“Brooklyn has long been home to a vibrant and thriving gay and lesbian community, not just now that it’s chic,” said Borough President Markowitz. “I hope that in the years to come, Brooklyn’s attitude of openness will become a model for all of America, and that’s true Brooklyn pride!”

Brooklyn Borough Hall is the only civic building in New York City where the rainbow flag will fly throughout June in celebration of Gay Pride month. On Saturday, June 10, Borough President Markowitz’s float will appear in the 10th annual Brooklyn Gay Pride Parade, which kicks off at 8:00 pm from Bartell Pritchard Square at Prospect Park West and 15th Street.