City of Burien raises Pride Flag for 5th year amid strong support, acts of vandalism

Burien City Hall hosted a Pride Flag raising ceremony on May 29, 2025, attended by locals celebrating the kickoff of Pride Month. Mayor Kevin Schilling, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, stressed the importance of creating an inclusive environment despite recent vandalism against Pride flags. Councilmember Alex Andrade shared her experiences with public visibility challenges and the hateful backlash faced by the Pride Committee. She emphasized that such actions only strengthen their resolve to advocate for visibility and love year-round. The event's theme, "Pride Out Loud," highlights the ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

The ceremony featured the Progress Pride flag, designed to represent marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Following the flag-raising, attendees enjoyed coffee and cookies while preparing for the Burien Pride festival scheduled for May 30–June 1. This festival will include various events, such as a street dance party and Drag Queen Bingo, aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth through a scholarship initiative.