Title
2018 LGBTQ Pride Month Proclamation
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
LGBTQ Pride Month
June 18, 2018
WHEREAS, In June of each year, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and ally community celebrate Pride Month. June was originally chosen to commemorate the Stonewall riots that occurred in June of 1969; and
WHEREAS, In April of 1970, Ann Arbor resident and local LGBTQ icon, Jim Toy, became the first publicly out gay man in the state of Michigan, and has since worked tirelessly to create a safe and supportive community for future generations of gay and lesbian citizens; and
WHEREAS, Despite local non-discrimination protections, and recent protections extended by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, there remain no state or federal anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ individuals from being fired, denied housing or refused service; and
WHEREAS, The City of Ann Arbor supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination, and recognizes the continued need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice; and
WHEREAS, The City of Ann Arbor accepts and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a more vibrant community; and
WHEREAS, The LGBTQ community contributes to the cultural, civic and economic successes of the City of Ann Arbor; and
WHEREAS, In the wake of an increasingly polarized political climate and continued violence against LGBTQ individuals, especially those at the intersection of multiple oppressions, we must remain true to Ann Arbor values by striving to ensure that our city is an inclusive community, where people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity or expression are visible, and live together in equality, respect and happiness; and
WHEREAS, All people regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity have the right to be treated on the basis of their intrinsic value as human beings.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby proclaim June, 2018 to be LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Ann Arbor.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This the 18th day of June, 2018
___________________________
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor