Proclamation
Every June, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in which LGBTQ+ patrons of Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in New York City, sparked six days of resistance against police brutality and state violence.
On June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago and sparked the modern gay liberation movement, bringing LGBTQ+ communities together to demonstrate for equal rights, and fight against discrimination — issues that continue to shape conversations today.
UC Berkeley’s Equity and Inclusion website notes that, “At a time when LGBTQ+ people are experiencing a challenging national climate shaped by ongoing public debate, legislative and legal battles, and concerns about discrimination and safety, Pride Month remains both a celebration of community and a reaffirmation of dignity, visibility, and equal treatment for all people. . . Pride was, and still is, resistance through visibility, joy, and celebration.“ Governor Gavin Newsom recently observed that, “This month is a celebration of progress and joy for the LGBTQ community. It's a moment to stand together in defiance against hatred and bigotry. California proudly fights for everyone's right to love and live freely.
In his 2025 Pride Month Proclamation, Governor Newsom stated that, “The LGBTQ community has fought tirelessly for their very right to exist and to be treated with the respect and equality that everyone deserves. But their fight is far from over. Members of the LGBTQ community around the world face continuous, hate-fueled discrimination and violence. Across this country, deplorable efforts targeting our LGBTQ community are undoing decades of progress, attacking our foundational rights and freedoms as Americans . . . This kind of hate and intolerance is not new. . . However, there has also been enormous progress, due to the unrelenting work of the community itself.” LGBTQ+ people come from all walks of life, race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, and economic status. 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, government, medicine, law, humanities, science, literature, politics, education, music, philanthropy, sports and athletics, arts and culture, serving as role models for all.
The City of Alameda is a vibrant community that champions the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and proudly recognizes LGBTQ+ individuals among our dedicated City staff and Board and Commission members.
On October 11, 2024, we celebrated the opening of QTAC (the Queer Teen Alameda Center), a drop-in center and safe space for LGBTQ+ middle school and high school students to socialize with and find support from each other and adult role models.
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.
Now, therefore, I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in the City of Alameda, and urge all residents to celebrate the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people, work to advance the cause of equality for LGBTQ+ people and their families, and learn more about the diverse culture of the LGBTQ+ community by participating in activities presented by the Alameda Free Library, including:
Pride Rainbow Sewing Workshop for Kids
Wednesday, June 17, 2:30 PM - Main Library
Pride Festival
Saturday, June 20, 10:30 AM - Bay Farm Island Library
Pride Banner Craft
June 1 – 6, All Day Drop In - West End Library
Pride Keychain Craft
June 8 – 13, All Day Drop In - West End Library
Pride Dancing Ribbon Ring Craft
June 14 – 20, All Day Drop In - West End Library
Pride Planter Pot Painting Craft
June 8 – 13, All Day Drop In - West End Library
There are also Pride Book Displays at the Main Library and West End and Bay Farm Island Branch Libraries, and an Online Booklist at alamedafree.org.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor