Title
Proclamation of June 2022 as Ann Arbor LGBTQ Pride Month
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
June 2022 as Ann Arbor LGBTQ Pride Month
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. Fifty years ago, the City first issued a Pride Week proclamation and was 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. That same year, two city council members, Nancy Wechsler and Jerry DeGrieck were among the first elected officials nationwide to come out as gay, and Kathy Kozachenko was the first gay or lesbian person to successfully run for political office in the United States; 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 both in Michigan and around the country, state legislatures have introduced and passed a record number of bills attacking LGBTQ people, particularly transgender youth and their families; and
WHEREAS, the COVID pandemic and the result economic instability has disproportionally been felt by LGBTQ people, particularly Black and Latinx LGBTQ people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, do hereby proclaim June 2022 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 justice.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 6th da...
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