June was officially recognized as LGBTQ plus Pride Month for the Town of Friday Harbor.

“June first began the LBGQ plus pride month,” town mayor Ray Jackson said during the June 2 regular town council meeting. “And we are here today to put our town on the map of strong supporters of the LBTGQ plus community.”

Jackson continued to read the proclamation, which states:

“Whereas, June is designated as pride month across the nation to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a time generally recognized as the beginning of the modern LGBTQIA Rights Movement; and

Whereas, all people regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical challenges have the right to be treated on the basis of their intrinsic value as human beings; and

Whereas, despite their extraordinary progress for basic civil and human rights, LGBTQ plus Americans still face discrimination simply for being who they are; and

Whereas, the Town is committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us and supporting visibility, dignity, and equality for all people in our community, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression; and

Whereas, the Town welcomes and celebrates the history and diversity of Friday Harbor’s LGBTQ plus community; and

Furthermore, I encourage all citizens to reflect on this important time in our Nation’s history, eliminate prejudice anywhere it exists, respect the rights of all people, and celebrate the great diversity of our Town.”

Members of the San Juan Island Pride Foundation watched while Jackson read the proclamation. The foundation is a newly formed group, whose mission includes enhancing the lives of the island LBTGQ plus community and assisting them in finding available resources. The group is also organizing an event on Jackson Beach in August.

SJI Pride members said they look forward to partnering with the town.

“Having a proclamation is critical,” Tara Craig told the Town of Friday Harbor Council. “There are people out there who would rather end their life than be who they are.”

For more information email SJIPride@gmail.com.