County Council proclaims June “Gay Pride Month”

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 declared June 2015 as Gay Pride Month in King County.

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.

“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’.