Title
Proclamation Celebrating June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Memorandum
WHEREAS, each June, LGBTQ+ people and their friends and family recognize the journey toward liberation and those who have fought for equality, including the queer and transgender people of color who took to the streets in New York City at the Stonewall Inn and in cities around the country; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ann Arbor holds a historic place in the history of the LGBTQ+ movement for equality as being among the first cities in the nation to pass an ordinance to protect residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation, later adding gender identity protections; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ann Arbor continues to lead within the State of Michigan in working to advance equality and safety for LGBTQ+ people, including through robust nondiscrimination protections and a ban on the discredited practice of conversion "therapy"; and
WHEREAS, this year, the City of Ann Arbor celebrates its bicentennial and marks the 50th anniversary of the election to City Council of Kathy Kozachenko, the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to political office in the country, making this an ideal time to reflect on Ann Arbor's rich LGBTQ+ history and celebrate our ongoing work to protect LGBTQ+ rights; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people, continue to face state-sponsored forms of discrimination that limit their political, economic, and social agency and access to gender-affirming and other health care; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the diversity and many contributions of our LGBTQ+ residents and their families to the vibrancy, inclusivity, and vitality of the Ann Arbor community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2024 as Pride Month and affirm our City's commitment to working against discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people and ensuring that all LGBTQ+ people in the City of Ann Arbor have dignity, equality, and ju...
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