1 Proclamation
A resolution regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month was introduced in the California State Assembly on May 22, 2025. It reads, in part:
“Each year, June marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising that led to the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. In June 1969, a police raid on Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in New York City, sparked six days of resistance that gave rise to the first New York City Pride Rally when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park.
LGBTQ+ people come from all walks of life, race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, and economic status.
Today, more LGBTQ+ people are being elected to public offices across the country, playing in professional sports leagues, occupying the highest positions in business and government, and serving as role models for all; and
LGBTQ+ people have made important and lasting contributions to our great state and nation in every field of endeavor, including, but not limited to, business, medicine, law, humanities, science, literature, politics, education, music, philanthropy, sports and athletics, arts, and culture.”
The City of Alameda is located in the San Francisco Bay Area which is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ advocacy, including the courageous leadership of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, and then San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in February 2004.
The City of Alameda is a vibrant community that champions the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and proudly recognizes LGBTQ+ individuals among its dedicated staff at all levels.
Earlier this year, QTAC (Queer Teen Alameda Center), a drop-in center for LGBTQ+ teens, celebrated its Grand Opening. Alameda Pride, Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD), and Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth, and their Families (ACCYF) collaborated to create this safe space for LGBTQ+ middle and high school students to socialize and find support with each other and adult role models.
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft recently announced her selection of Jeramie Andehueson, founder of Alameda Pride, as Grand Marshal of the Mayor’s 2025 4th of July Parade.
We honor Jeramie for his unwavering dedication to creating Alameda’s annual Pride in the Park celebration, Alameda Pride’s support for QTAC, and for creating a non-profit foundation to provide safe spaces and essential resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The City of Alameda is committed to fostering an inclusive community where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to live authentically, free from fear or marginalization.
As noted in the State Assembly Resolution, “California’s and America’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and our great state and nation strive to promote the principles of equality and justice and the inalienable rights of all people to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
To build a more robust and better state and nation, we must continue to help advance the cause of equality for all people.
2 To achieve a more just and fair society, we must teach our children to respect one another, to appreciate our differences, and to recognize the common good in all of us.
Now, therefore, I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim June 2025 as
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and
Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month
in the City of Alameda and urge all residents to join in celebrating the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people and work to advance the cause of equality for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
You can learn more about the diverse culture of the LGBTQ+ community by participating in the following activities presented by the Alameda Free Library:
Pride Storytime for the entire family
Bay Farm Island Library, Saturday, June 7, 10:30 AM
Storyteller Regina Stoops, multi-time winner of The Moth StorySlam Saturday, June 14, Main Library, 2:00 PM
Pride Crafternoon
West End Library, Saturday, June 14, 2:00 PM
Pride Bracelet making for ages 6-12
Main Library, Tuesday, June 24, 2:30 PM
Wire Frame Fairy Wings with Upcycle Alameda
Tuesday, June 24, Main Library, 5:30 PM
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor