Pride Flags Returns to Erie After Community Outcry and Governor’s Proclamation

Portions of comments from Erie residents who spoke at last night’s Town Council meeting have been interwoven into this story to honor their dedication to Erie’s LGBTQ+ community.

Being Better Neighbors Erie Pride Day

The air in the room was tense and stiff, as members of the Erie community showed up in force to voice their frustration with the removal of Pride flags from government buildings across town. The issue wasn’t originally on the agenda, but after an outpouring of public pressure, the town council amended it to allow discussion and public comment. The vote to amend the agenda was a six-to-one vote, with only Mayor Moore voting “no.” Dozens of residents took the mic to denounce the removal, pressing the council to change Erie’s Flag Policy and protect inclusive symbols moving forward.

“These are meaningful tokens to people. Some might say there’s going to be a slippery slope. I don’t think it’s going to be. I think it’s good for us to fly the pride flag at Town Hall, because it’s going to foster a sense of belonging and safety to a historically discriminated against population, and that can only have a positive impact on the rest of our community and lead to more economic prosperity.” – Marcie Lord, Erie Resident 

The removal followed a resident’s complaint that flying the Pride flag was out of compliance with town policy. The Town of Erie’s Flag and Street Décor Policy dictates that only the US or CO Flag may flow by the flag. However, this rule can be bypassed with an official proclamation or order from the President or the Governor. At the start of Pride Month last year, Governor Polis issued a proclamation that allowed municipalities like Erie to fly Pride flags in compliance with the state’s Flag Policy. This year, no such proclamation was made. So after a resident filed a complaint, Mayor Moore and Town Manager Malcolm Fleming had the flags taken down.

This decision was met with a mix of anger and confusion from Erie residents, culminating in a packed and emotionally charged town hall. Community members, young and old, shared personal stories and expressed concern about the message the flag’s removal might send.

 One passionate resident, Skylar Weitzel, an Erie, spoke with emotion:

“These are real people. It’s in these victims memories that we celebrate Pride and with that outward public support, we honor our brothers and sisters as God’s children, regardless of what gender they identify as or what pronouns they prefer, we should want to fly the flag to ensure the future safety and inclusion of those in the LGBTQ plus community who we live with seconds and worship with as our friends and neighbors and hopes they feel supported, included and safe in their own communities.”

Weitzel’s concerns reflect broader realities. Research from The Trevor Project shows that bisexual youth face disproportionately high rates of depression, bullying, sexual assault, and physical harm often tied to social exclusion and stigma. When communities fail to create inclusive environments, LGBTQ+ individuals can face real, measurable harm to both their mental and physical well-being.

Given the seriousness of the matter, many in the community hoped for a swift resolution. But that didn’t happen. The Town Council voted 4–3 to delay any update to the Flag Policy, with Anil Pesaramelli, Emily Baer, and Dan Hoback voting in favor of revising it, and John Mortellaro, Brandon Bell, Brian O’Connor, and Mayor Andrew Moore voting against. Mayor Moore added that he preferred to discuss the issue in executive session, a meeting closed to the public.

“This meeting isn’t just about a flag or a group of marginalized people. This meeting is also about doing things ethically, morally and transparently the right way, not in the dark of night. If the policy is lacking, then the policy needs to be changed.” – Janet Brown, Erie Resident

In the days following the vote, advocacy group Rocky Mountain Equality stepped in to help resolve the issue. The organization, which supports LGBTQ+ individuals and communities across Colorado, reached out to Governor Polis’s office requesting clarity. Within 24 hours, a new Pride Month proclamation was issued.

“We reached out as an organization to the governor’s office to look for clarity,” said Bruce Parker, Rocky Mountain Equality’s Chief Operating Officer. “And the proclamation came out the same day.”

As of yesterday, the Pride flags have been restored. Following Tuesday’s town hall, Mayor Moore reaffirmed his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community:

“I want to reiterate my unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. I understand that this situation has generated significant emotion, and I acknowledge the importance and symbolism of the Pride flag for many in our community.”

The combined response from residents and the swift issuance of Governor Polis’s proclamation helped bring the issue to a resolution, allowing the flags to fly once again as a symbol of inclusion and support. However, the victory was marred by an alleged incident involving Mayor Moore’s wife and an Erie resident, which has left some residents concerned about how the town listens to and supports LGBTQ+ individuals.

Among the residents who spoke was Kim Salvaggio, CEO of The Center on Colfax, the largest LGBTQ+ organization in Colorado. Her public comment echoed the passion and concern shared by many attendees. Speaking candidly, Salvaggio urged Mayor Moore to follow through on his commitments:

“I shouldn’t have to do this, but here is what I’m going to ask you to do: rebuild trust. I’m asking you to stand by the words that you said at Pride, and I’m asking you to adopt a formal resolution and ordinance protecting the right to display inclusive symbols.”

After public comments ended, many attendees left feeling satisfied they had voiced their concerns. Kim Salvaggio was among them. As she walked through the parking lot with her wife, a woman who identified herself as “a member of the community”, but whom Salvaggio did not recognize, asked to speak with her privately. During their conversation, Salvaggio’s comments were described as “scary,” and she was told she was the only person whose remarks had been perceived that way. The woman also urged Salvaggio to show more empathy toward Mayor Moore and the council, citing the scrutiny they face in their roles.

After the exchange, Salvaggio learned the woman was Mayor Moore’s wife. Disturbed by the encounter, Salvaggio sent a letter Tuesday night to the mayor and council, calling the interaction an inappropriate attempt at intimidation. For transparency, we have included Salvaggio’s full letter, which offers her unfiltered perspective on the incident. It is Yellow Scene’s hope that this letter sparks greater communication and understanding, fostering more open conversations rather than shutting them down.

Dear Mayor Moore and Members of Council,

I was one of the speakers this evening during the public comments. I feel it necessary to report the following. After my wife and I left the building, we were walking with a small group towards our car. We were approached by a woman asking if she could speak with me. She asked me to walk with her, which I was not comfortable doing. We went roughly 10 feet away from the group.  

Once we were slightly removed from the group, she identified herself as a ‘member of the community’.  She did not tell us her name. She told me that I was “scary” and the only speaker this evening that was “scary”. That my comments were direct and scary to the Mayor.  She asked me to consider or if I could have empathy for what our elected officials endure putting themselves out there.  She appeared almost to be trembling.  At this time, I made the decision to not engage, I said “noted” and walked toward my car, leading my wife with me.

After she turned to walk to her car, I was approached by the group that was only a few feet away and was informed the woman was the Mayor’s wife.  I had no further interaction with her, but at least two other community members did walk to her car and continue the conversation.  I was not part of that interaction.

Needless to say, this was inappropriate at best. Labeling someone as scary is a common tactic used to silence Queer women as well as other marginalized identities. In other words, its coded language is used to inflict violence on the person who is willing and able to speak truth to the people in power. I would ask the council to be aware of this situation with Mrs. Moore and consider the impacts on members of our community. Speaking out against people in power is never comfortable, we are putting ourselves at risk in ways many of you may have never had to consider, and this was a blatant use of power, on behalf of the Mayor, to shame me into silence. 

If the Mayor and the Council want to listen and learn from our community, you must take our safety seriously. 

I would hope our council and especially our Mayor are able to sit in their own discomfort as many of us have lived our entire lives in real danger and discomfort from real scary people.  Many of our committee members relayed information to you this evening about the real danger that exists towards us for just existing.  If the Mayor or any member of council cannot sit with discomfort for one evening, I would ask IF you should be the Mayor or on the Council. 

I recognize we have members of our council who have repeatedly displayed their solidarity with our marginalized communities and have their own identities and lived experience for consideration.   I know where you stand and thank you. 

I would ask you to consider that I am a strong, thriving Queer woman. I have had access to resources for decades to process the comments and attempts to silence through demeaning interactions — what if Mrs Moore spoke to one of our younger adults after the public comments  because she is concerned for her husband’s feelings?

For those who want to explain this interaction away or belittle it, I would ask you to consider what it means to be complicit.    

Regards,

Kim Salvaggio