Proclamation for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, June 2024
Whereas, every June, the City of Alameda recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people being free to love who they love, accept themselves, and make no apologies for being a vibrant community standing up for itself and seeking a life of visibility, dignity, and equality; and
Whereas Pride celebrations in June each year commemorate the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York which began when patrons of a gay bar fought back against a violent police raid, continued discrimination, abuse, and mistreatment; and
Whereas, the movement that began that night eventually led to significant victories, including the legalization of same sex marriage, and an increasing recognition of the importance and vitality of the LGBTQ+ community; and
Whereas, LGBTQ+ individuals have made important contributions in civil rights, culture, government, business, sports, and more, including author James Baldwin, former San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, athletes Billie Jean King, Greg Louganis, Megan Rapinoe, and more; and
Whereas, despite the contributions and gains achieved, we continue to see hateful laws adopted, books by and about the LGBTQ+ community banned, health care services denied, and acts of intimidation and violence against LGBTQ+ people increasing; and
Whereas, as we celebrate the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community’s hard- fought victories to advance acceptance and equality, we must continue working to ensure that everyone enjoys the full promise of equality, dignity, protection, and freedom; and
Whereas, in Alameda the motto “Everyone Belongs Here” is realized through actions that support LGBTQ+ rights, demand equal protection under the law, eliminate bullying and harassment, and teach dignity and respect for all; and
Whereas, LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and the City of Alameda is committed to building a safer, more inclusive future for all, and stands united with our LGBTQ+ family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2024 as
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
in the City of Alameda, and encourage all Alamedans to learn more about the beautiful and diverse history of LGBTQ+ people at the Alameda Free Library where a variety of books are on display, also on a themed carousel on the library’s online catalog, and at a special screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Moonlight,” Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 pm in the Stafford Room at the Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, Alameda.