The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors (BOS) unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month at the May 28, 2024 BOS meeting. The proclamation read as follows:
Proclamation- June as Pride Month
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County is a friendly and welcoming community that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County recognizes the importance of equality and freedom for all our residents; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County recognizes that our nation was founded upon the principles that all people are created equal and that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County is dedicated to fostering acceptance of all its residents and preventing discrimination and mistreatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, we reaffirm our commitment to support the rights of the LGBTQ+ community; and WHEREAS, Black Hawk County is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, racial, gender and sexual identities of its residents; all of which make up our vibrant character; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County recognizes the importance and contributions of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community; and WHEREAS, Black Hawk County recognizes the damaging effects of unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community by the state legislature; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County opposes these legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and wishes the state government of Iowa would instead focus on being better partners with local government; and
WHEREAS, Black Hawk County acknowledges that June has historically been a month of celebration and pride for the LGBTQ+ community ever since the Stonewall riots of 1969;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaim and recognize the month of June as
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, and we urge all residents to actively promote the principles of equality and liberty and we remind the LGBTQ+ community that they are loved and cherished and seen for who they are — deserving of dignity, respect, and support throughout our County.