Proclaim June 2023 to be Portland Pride Month
Whereas, the City of Portland is committed to diversity, social justice, equity, and mutual respect as a fundamental aspect of a healthy community; and
Whereas, the long and ongoing struggle of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) communities for basic civil and human rights continues to provide inspiration to all those who work against discrimination and oppression; and
Whereas, in any movement it is imperative to remember its history and center the voices of its most marginalized members, especially transgender women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera who fought back against police violence at Stonewall, figures in a long lineage of leaders who have fought for queer and trans liberation; and
Whereas, the presence and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community is vital to the quality of life of all residents and visitors alike in the City of Portland, a city known as a safe harbor and home for this community; and
Whereas, Pride celebrations have been held continuously in Portland since 1971 and Pride marches since 1976, and 2023 marks the 53rd anniversary of Pride around the world; and
Whereas, we are witnessing a relentless attack on the dignity and rights of all LGBTQIA+ people, but most specifically transgender adults and youth who are not only being denied basic healthcare but are being targeted for state oppression and violence; and
Whereas, it is vital to not be silent nor avert our eyes from the threats that our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and community are facing, and to find ways to protect each other and continue to be a safe harbor and home for all queer and trans people; and
Whereas, especially in the face of discrimination, we celebrate with pride the dedication to service, art, craftwork, and mutual aid that the LGBTQIA+ community shares with all the people of Portland, through more than three years of a global pandemic and ongoing struggles for justice.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim June 2023 to be
Portland Pride Month
in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.