PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF JUNE 2024 AS LGBTQIA+ PRIDE MONTH
WHEREAS, our nation was founded on the principle of equal rights for all people, but the fulfillment of this promise has been long in coming for many Americans. Some of the most inspiring moments in our history have arisen from civil rights movements that have brought one group after another from the margins to the mainstream of American society; and
WHEREAS,In the movement toward equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people, a historic turning point occurred on June 28, 1969, in New York City, with the onset of the Stonewall Riots when, during these riots, LGBTQIA+ citizens rose up and fought against the discriminatory criminal laws that have since been declared unconstitutional; and
WHEREAS, Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman, was an instrumental leader in the Stonewall Inn uprising and we honor her contribution to the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and we also must honor the intersectionality of LBTQIA+ persons of color who still face heightened discrimination to this day. We acknowledge that Pride Month intersects with the Black Liberation celebration known as Juneteenth. It is important to remember that Pride started as a defense of Black queer people 104 years after Juneteenth; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations have taken place around the country every June to commemorate the beginning of the Stonewall Riots; and
WHEREAS, June is celebrated as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County has a diverse LGBTQIA+ community that includes people of all ethnicities, religions, classes, and professions; and
WHEREAS, right-wing legislators around the country are continuing in their hateful attempts to turn back the clock and are once again targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals with the most heinous legislation stripping rights from trans youth and their families and forcing trans youth to be outed in their school settings where they should protected; and
WHEREAS, everyone should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, violence and hatred based on race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County celebrates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and urges Contra Costa residents to respect and honor our diverse community and celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance.
Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa Party, May 16, 2024