To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming June 2025 as Pride Month in Sonoma County
End
Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights invites the Board of Supervisors to support LGBTQIA2S+ Rights, and the behavioral health of those suffering from hardships and harassment and proclaim June 2025 as Pride Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
The celebration of Pride dates to June 28, 1970, in New York City where many marched from Greenwich Village to Central Park in unity. The celebration was then recognized by County of Sonoma in 1992 when they approved a Pride Resolution. Since then, the month of June is known as Pride Month in the County of Sonoma.
This year let’s observe the challenges the LGBTQIA2S+ community face. The AIDS crisis was devastating in Sonoma County, with a critical spike in 1987 as we had one of the highest rates in California, we are still feeling the ripples of those who passed away from AIDS, individuals affected, their caretakers, our pride and progress is here. Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community protested for visibility and care during the AIDS crisis, after four decades of progress, we are still here due to the sacrifices of those we have lost and those who have tenderly cared for a future where homophobia does not exist. Let’s acknowledge mental health challenges and risks that LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults may face including, high suicide rates for transgender individuals, attacks on personal safety, hate crimes, family rejection, cultural stigmas and homophobic slurs. Local organizations such as the Arlene Francis Center, West County Community Services, Rainbow Cattle Company, Positive Images, Amor Para Todos, LGBTQ Sonoma, Face2Face, LGBTQI History, Buckelew, the Living Room, Russian River Sisters of Perpetual, Armstrong Grove, Sage Casey Foundation, and the Sonoma County Libraries have been supporting and championing LGBTQIA2S+ rights in Sonoma County. The Commission on Human Rights invites the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to support LGBTQIA2S+ Rights, and the behavioral health of those suffering from hardships and harassment.
Prior Board Actions:
6/8/2021 Gold Resolution, 2021-0583
6/6/2023, Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming June 2023 as Pride Month in Sonoma County.2023-0605
6/4/2024 Proclaiming June 2024 as Pride Month in Sonoma County Gold Resolution. 2024-0580
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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