Summary

This is the fifth consecutive year the County Council has recognized our progress towards equal rights through this proclamation. The Council and King County have worked to end discrimination against members of our community who identify as LGBTQ.

Story

Acknowledging the contributions the LGBTQ community brings to King County and recognizing the ongoing quest for equality under the law, the Metropolitan King County Council today declared June 2015 as Gay Pride Month in King County.

“This proclamation is not just an opportunity to appreciate the incredible progress that we’ve made towards full equality for the LGBTQ community, but to also focus on the work to be done,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott. “I am honored to recognize the people whose efforts to bring us closer to this goal every day.”

“Our economy works best when everyone is included,” said Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, co-sponsor of the proclamation. “I’m proud to represent a community that values equality and fairness for everybody.”

This is the fifth consecutive year the County Council has recognized our progress towards equal rights through this proclamation. The Council and King County have worked to end discrimination against members of our community who identify as LGBTQ.

“Gay Pride Month helps us celebrate diversity and raise awareness about equal rights for all of our citizens,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “I am proud to stand beside LGBTQ individuals in our community in the fight for full equality.”

“There have been accomplishments within the LGBTQ community that would have been unthinkable as recently as the start of this century,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “So while this month is a celebration, it’s also a reminder that the struggle for equality is ongoing—even in a community as open and progressive as King County.”  

“I am honored to represent a community that is welcoming and inclusive of all individuals and supports their right to marry whomever they love,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “I am proud to have participated in the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Equal Rights and Liberation, and in several Seattle Pride Parades since. It’s truly great to see the magnificent change in attitudes on this important civil rights issue. Love is winning.”  

King County took an important step in 2014 to update employment benefits to better meet the unique health care needs of transgender employees. In 2012, The King County Council confirmed its support of marriage equality for all families by including this issue in the County’s state legislative agenda. In 2008, county voters approved an amendment to the King County Charter adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section to vote.

Gay Pride Month is celebrated in June in recognition of the June 1968 Stonewall Riots in New York, considered the start of the modern movement for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer citizens. Seattle will celebrate its 38th Gay Pride Parade on June 28. The theme of this year’s Parade is:  ‘A Lifetime of Pride’.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, equal access to opportunity and freedom from discrimination are fundamental to ensuring success and personal fulfillment; and

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

WHEREAS, the modern fight for LGBTQ equal rights in this country began with the Stonewall Riots in June of 1969; and

WHEREAS, this year, Ireland became the first country to legalize marriage between same-sex couples by a popular vote, making it the twentieth country to grant this right; and

WHEREAS, King County has been a leader in promoting equality by prohibiting discriminatory policies; and

WHEREAS, King County residents and organizations have a long history of supporting the LGBTQ community, including such organizations as the Greater Seattle Business Association, which has awarded over $2 million in youth scholarships over the last 25 years; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle held its first LGBTQ celebration 41 years ago in 1974; and

WHEREAS, on Sunday, June 28th, the annual Seattle Pride Parade will take place, with the theme of this year’s celebration being “A Lifetime of Pride”;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby proclaim June 2015 as

GAY PRIDE MONTH

in King County and encourage all county residents to honor the march toward equality for LGBTQ individuals.

DATED this first day of June 2015. 

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