Celebrating equality and dignity: County Council proclaims June “Gay Pride Month”

Recognizing the changes that have come in the last 43 years, while acknowledging the challenges that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals still face, the Metropolitan King County Council today declared the month of June “Gay Pride Month” in King County.

“Our state and county have seen great steps toward equality, but our march toward full equality under the law continues. Let’s celebrate our successes and reflect on our next steps during Gay Pride Month,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, the sponsor of the recognition and the first-ever openly gay member of the County Council. “It is an honor to sponsor the Council’s first ever Gay Pride Month proclamation.”

“Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities have contributed immensely to the social, political, and economic fabric of Martin Luther King, Jr. County. It was in that vein in 2008, we took steps to continue the struggle against discrimination towards sexual minorities by amending the King County Charter,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “However as Dr. King, our county’s namesake stated: `[c]hange does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.’ By designating June Gay Pride Month, we recommit ourselves to ensure that all people have equality.”

King County and the County Council have worked to end discrimination against sexual minorities. In 2008, the Council sent an amendment to the King County Charter adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section to voters, who approved it with a 71 percent yes vote.

“King County, as a government and a community, strives for equality for all residents regardless of sexual orientation,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Today’s recognition of Gay Pride Month helps it get better for the GLBT community in King County.”

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 37th Gay Pride Parade on June 26. The theme of this year’s Parade is “Be You. Be Proud. Express Yourself!”