Los Angeles County has officially declared June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, honoring the historic Stonewall Rebellion and the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion. The proclamation by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors serves as a testament to the county’s commitment to embracing its LGBTQ+ community and advocating for the rights and dignity of all its residents.
Remembering the Stonewall Rebellion
The motion, put forth by supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath, acknowledges the significance of the Stonewall Rebellion that took place on June 29, 1969, in New York. The rebellion marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, as gay and lesbian bar patrons rose up against years of harassment by the police. This watershed moment is recognized as the catalyst for the modern gay liberation and civil rights movement.
A Beacon of Inclusivity
Los Angeles County’s proclamation not only pays tribute to the Stonewall Rebellion but also highlights the county’s own LGBTQ+ history. It acknowledges the “Cooper Do-nuts Riot,” a similar uprising that occurred in Los Angeles a decade earlier. By commemorating these events, the county underscores the LGBTQ+ community’s integral role in shaping its past, present, and future. Supervisor Janice Hahn affirms, “Our LGBTQ community is part of the fabric of the past, present, and future of Los Angeles County, and we remain a beacon of inclusivity around the world.”
Acknowledging the Ongoing Struggle
While celebrating the achievements and progress made by the LGBTQ+ community, the motion emphasizes that there is still work to be done. Discrimination and threats to the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals persist across the nation. By proclaiming LGBTQ+ Pride Month and raising the Progress Pride flag above county buildings, Los Angeles County sends a clear message that it not only welcomes but also treasures and celebrates its LGBTQ+ residents and their heritage.
A Call for Continued Advocacy
As Los Angeles County honors the rich heritage of the LGBTQ+ community, it also recognizes the need for ongoing activism and advocacy. The proclamation signifies the county’s commitment to standing against prejudice and discrimination, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of advancing LGBTQ+ rights. The county’s position as the largest in the nation further amplifies the impact of this proclamation, inspiring other communities to embrace inclusivity and work towards a society that values and celebrates all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
