Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 5:28 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: In Response to Pride Flag
Attachments: LGBTQCenterOC_HBCityCouncil.pdf
From: Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 5:15 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: In Response to Pride Flag
Hello,
Please see attached for our letter to the Huntington Beach City Council in regards to the Pride flag.
Best,
--
Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, M.A. (she/her/ella)
Director of Advocacy and Education
LGBTO CENTER
Office: 714-953-5428 xt. 2050
Direct: 657-216-7961
LGBTQCenterOC.org
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SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 2/7/2023
Agenda Item No.: #30/23-109)
1 The LGBTQ Center OC
1605 N. Spurgeon Street
LGBTO CENTER Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.953.LGBT (5428)
714.246.8907
February 6, 2023
City Council
2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council:
My name is Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, and I am the Director of Advocacy and Education at the LGBTQ Center OC, a long-standing organization that serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) people in Orange County, California. For nearly fifty years, our organization has responded to the changing and growing needs of the Orange County LGBTQ community, providing culturally appropriate and affirming health and wellness services.
The LGBTQ Center OC is disappointed with the recent decision by several Huntington Beach City Council members to remove its Pride flag from display during LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June. Pride Month is a time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together to celebrate achievements, raise awareness about ongoing challenges and discrimination, and promote equality and acceptance. The removal of the Pride flag sends an unwelcoming message that Huntington Beach does not support or accept its LGBTQIA+ residents, which is unacceptable. As community leaders, it is your responsibility to ensure that all residents feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
We are strongly encouraging the Huntington Beach City Council to keep flying the Pride flag. The solution should not be to remove the Pride flag but rather to engage in respectful dialogue and education about its meaning and importance. It is through open and honest conversations that we can work towards creating a more inclusive community. The Pride flag is a small but powerful symbol of hope and inclusion, and it deserves to be displayed proudly in Huntington Beach and in other cities across Orange County.
We hope that you will reconsider your decision and work towards finding a solution that promotes unity and acceptance for all members of our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our organization for more support or guidance.
Sincerely,
Stric C-Villa
Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, M.A.
Director of Advocacy and Education
[email protected]
(714)-953-5428 x2050
www.LGBTQCenterOC.org