WHEREAS, the United States was founded on the principle that “all men are created equal”, and the fulfillment of this promise has expanded over the years to cover all people. Some of the most inspiring moments in our history have arisen from civil rights movements bringing one group after another under the umbrella of our most revered and foundational principle of American society; and
WHEREAS, in the movement toward equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA2S+) and people of all other gender identities and sexual orientations, a historic turning point occurred on June 28, 1969, in New York City, with the onset of the Stonewall Riots. During these riots, LGBTQIA2S+ citizens rose up and resisted police harassment that arose out of discriminatory criminal laws that have since been declared unconstitutional. In the four decades since, civil rights for LGBTQIA2S+ people have grown substantially, and pride celebrations have taken place around the world and in the United States every June to commemorate the beginning of the Stonewall Riots; and
WHEREAS, California has been a leader in advancing the civil rights of its LGBTQIA2S+ citizens and while further progress is needed, it is important to recognize and celebrate the substantial gains that have been achieved; and
WHEREAS, several of Lake County’s local elected leaders have not only represented their constituents but also the LGBTQIA2S+ community within Lake County. The Board of Supervisors also recognizes the many staff members who are a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and serve Lake County with distinction; and
WHEREAS, while LGBTQIA2S+ Americans remain marginalized and under attack through legislation in states across our country, the Lake County Board of Supervisors stands firm against intolerance, discrimination, and injustice, and is deeply committed to fostering communities where all people can live free and authentic lives; and
WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, and bisexual communities within the Rural Association of Northern California Health Officers region (eleven rural Northern California counties) face numerous disparities: elevated levels of poor health, increased smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, suicidal thoughts, higher poverty rates, domestic violence, and deferred medical care. Alarmingly, half of this community has seriously contemplated suicide; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQIA2S+ residents in Lake County represent our families, our friends, our neighbors, our teachers, our employees, and our community leaders. Across all religions, races, and communities there are LGBTQIA2S+ people helping our nation to become a more perfect union in reaching our ideals proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence that all people are created equal and therefore deserve to be embraced and treated as equals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED the Lake County Board of Supervisors does hereby designate June 2026 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month in Lake County and urges all to educate themselves on the history, struggles, and the many achievements of this community and celebrate the rich and vibrant diversity of LGBTQIA2S+ residents in Lake County.