2012 GLBT Proclamation

City of Flagstaff – Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

WHEREAS,  First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Human rights begin in the small places close to home – the streets where people live, the schools they attend, the factories, farms, and offices where they work”; and

WHEREAS, during her historical speech concerning the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender community, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared that “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights, once and for all,” pointing out that, gay  people are born into and belong to every society in the world, that they are all ages, all races, all faiths; they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes; and that they are family, friends, and neighbors;

WHEREAS, the mission of the City of Flagstaff’s is to enhance quality of life and preserve the values of the community, an important part of which is embracing, respecting, and celebrating diversity; and

WHEREAS, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community continues to face sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination; and

WHEREAS, we take pride in recognizing that civil rights and human rights construct a stronger foundation for Flagstaff as an inclusive community by promoting an environment that is welcoming and accepting, and tolerant and respectful of the dignity of all people; and

WHEREAS, hand in hand, we will continue to break down the walls of fear and prejudice and work to build a bridge to understanding and tolerance; we will continue our efforts to make Flagstaff a community inclusive of its gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population; and

WHEREAS, the Northern Arizona Pride Association is celebrating its 16^th Annual ‘Pride in Pines’ festival, the goal of which is to create a consistent effort in supporting change and fostering acceptance;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARA PRESLER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF do hereby proclaim the month of June, 2012, as -

***GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH***

in Flagstaff to promote understanding of the joys and challenges that the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement has experienced and to declare that together, as brothers and sisters, we move forward in creating a Flagstaff that celebrates and embraces equality with compassion and respect.

DATE JUNE 5Th 2012

Written by Kathryn Jim, President of Northern Arizona Pride Association

President Obama recorded a video message to Americans across the country to honor the LGBT people who have led our march toward a more perfect union.