King County declares June Pride Month

June 24, 2013

Summary

Story

As the nation awaits historic rulings from the Supreme Court, the Metropolitan King County Council lent its support to the fight for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer individuals by declaring June Gay Pride Month in King County.

“We have seen historic advancements in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer Washingtonians, but we often lack equal rights under the law. Gay Pride Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate our advancements,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott who introduced the proclamation.

This is the third consecutive year that June has been declared Pride Month in King County. Last year, the King County Council supported the successful marriage equality efforts at the state legislature. And in 2008, the Council unanimously supported adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section of the County Charter.

“King County has been a leader in equality efforts. We know that LGBTQ individuals make meaningful contributions to our County every day,” said McDermott.

It’s been almost 40 years since the first Pride celebration in Seattle. The annual Pride Parade will be held this Sunday, June 30, 2013.

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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the modern fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equal rights began with the Stonewall Riots in June of 1969; and

WHEREAS, the last year has seen historic advancements in equality for lesbian and gay individuals in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans often lack equal rights under the law; and

WHEREAS, the King County Council supported efforts at our State Legislature to extend the rights and responsibilities of marriage to all loving and committed couples; and

WHEREAS, the King County voters overwhelmingly supported these efforts at the ballot box; and

WHEREAS, it’s been almost 40 years since the first Pride celebration in Seattle;

WHEREAS, the annual LGBTQ Pride Parade is being held in Seattle on Sunday, June 30th;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby proclaim June 2013 as

GAY PRIDE MONTH

in King County and call on all county residents to celebrate the region’s diversity.

DATED this twenty-fourth day of June 2013.