At last night’s Norfolk City Council meeting, Mayor Kenneth Alexander opened the meeting with a proclamation recording the significance and value of Pride month.
The Proclamation, dated June 3, reads as follows:
“WHEREAS, annually, June is designated as Pride Month, and communities around the United States come together to commemorate the New York City Stonewall uprisings of 1969, a major catalyst for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights movement; and
“WHEREAS, in a recent landmark victory for LGBTQ equality, on June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled inBostock v. Clayton County, Georgia that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and
“WHEREAS, while the movement to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community is witnessing great success, more work must be done to ensure consistent protection against discrimination across key areas of life including employment, housing, credit, education, and access to public spaces and services; and
“WHEREAS, since its inception, Hampton Roads Pride has worked to protect the full human and civil rights of LGBTQ people, by celebrating unity, embracing diversity, and instilling pride in the region’s LGBTQ and allied communities; and
“WHEREAS, with the support of many local businesses and organizations, Hampton Roads Pride encourages year-round education, celebration and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community while organizing events for the entire region to enjoy; and
“WHEREAS, although this year’s historic and highly anticipated PrideFest annual event had been overshadowed by a global pandemic, the City of Norfolk remains committed to protecting the civil rights of the LGBTQ community and eradicating prejudice and discrimination in our communities.
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Norfolk, Virginia:
“Section 1: – That the City of Norfolk recognizes June 2020 as Pride Month.
“Section 2: – That the City Council urges all citizens to recognize Hampton Roads Pride for its diligent work in increasing awareness of the Hampton Roads LGBT community and for supporting local, national and global efforts to promote diversity and ensure equality for everyone.”
