City Council Discusses Oct. 7 Losses, Recognizes Bisexual Day of Visibility, Latino Heritage Month – The Daily Free Press

The Boston City Council passed resolutions to honor the victims of the October 7 tragedy, establish Bisexual Day of Visibility and celebrate Latino Heritage Month during its Wednesday meeting.

Councilman Edward Flynn introduced a resolution proposing to raise the Israeli flag in City Hall Square on October 7, one year after the Hamas attack on Israel, to honor the memory of the more than 1,000 civilians who lost their lives and the 251 who were taken hostage.

“We condemn the horrific acts of terror that Hamas committed on that day, October 7, and we continue to demand the release of the remaining hostages,” Flynn said during the meeting.

Councilman Benjamin Weber opposed the resolution, saying there was a lot of tension on both sides.

Weber said he agreed with the importance of honoring the victims of the October 7 tragedy, but argued that the decision “requires a discussion of the best way to do that in partnership with Jewish leaders and other members of the community.”

“This movement seems to be inflaming passions on both sides more than it is healing,” Weber said. “I think we need to find a way to come together and call for peace.”

To move forward, Weber said there needs to be a “more thoughtful discussion” about how best to approach the matter.

Flynn said the backlash caught him “out of the blue” and that he regretted Weber had not shared his concerns with him earlier.

“I don’t know what’s so controversial about that, Councilman Weber,” Flynn said in response to Weber’s objection. “There’s nothing controversial about recognizing October 7th.”

The resolution was referred to committee for further deliberations.

Additionally, the council unanimously passed two resolutions at the meeting: recognizing September 23 as Bisexual Visibility Day and the period from September 15 to October 15 as Latino Heritage Month in Boston.

Councilman Henry Santana introduced Resolution Docket 1400 recognizing September 23 as Bisexual Visibility Day.

“This day is about celebrating the lives, experiences, and contributions of bisexual+ people while raising awareness of the unique challenges and biases they face,” Santana said.

Bisexual Visibility Day has been celebrated globally since 1999 by activists Wendy Curry, Michael Page and Gigi Raven Wilbur. Santana said the 25th anniversary is an “appropriate” time to continue “amplifying the voices of people who identify as bisexual+, biromantic, pansexual, fluid or other identities” in Boston.

“Bisexual+ people face higher rates of discrimination and mental health issues,” Santana said, and many young bisexual+ people “lack visible role models.”

Councilor Sharon Durkan stressed the need for integration.

“It’s really important that the City Council takes action on this because celebrating diverse voices means understanding how people really want to define themselves,” Durkan said.

The council also passed Resolution Docket 1401, filed by Councilwoman Julia Mejia and Santana, recognizing Latino Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.

Mejia shared an anecdote about her arrival in Boston and the difficulties she faced in accepting her Latino identity.

“When I first landed in Boston, I didn’t want to speak Spanish. I didn’t want to be Latina. I didn’t want to be identified as something that would make me feel like I didn’t belong,” Mejia said. “Being a city councilor … (and) celebrating Latino Heritage Month means the world to me.”

Mejia highlighted the contribution of Latinos to Boston’s development, noting that since 1980, Latinos have accounted for 92% of the city’s population growth and now make up 20% of its residents.

“From art and music to the growing number of Latino-owned businesses, our influence is undeniable and continues to shape the city of Boston,” Mejia said.

Santana, who said he is a “proud Dominican,” also spoke on the resolution.

“We are deeply embedded in the social, cultural and economic fabric of the city,” Santana said, referring to Latinos in Boston. “As business owners, workers (and) entrepreneurs, we contribute to Boston’s thriving economy. As artists, educators and leaders, we enrich the vibrant, diverse culture that defines our city.”

Councilor Enrique Pepén expanded on what Latino Heritage Month means to him.

“As a Dominican-American son of two hard-working Latino immigrants, this month means more than just paying tribute to our heritage,” Pepén said. “It’s about paying tribute to the sacrifice, sweat and tears that our people have put forth to advance not only this city, but our country.”