Agenda - 06-15-2021; 4-c - Proclamation Recognizing June 2021 as Pride Month in Orange County

Browse Search

2 capturing the names of those who had died from the disease. Today, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is a 54-ton tapestry that includes nearly 50,000 panels dedicated to more than 105,000 individuals. The LGBTQ+ community in America has achieved remarkable progress since Stonewall. Historic Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in every State and Territory. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act broadened the definition of hate crimes to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. Members of the LGBTQ+ community now serve in nearly every level of public office — in city halls, State capitals, Governors' mansions, halls of the Congress, the White House and the military. For all of the progress, there are many states in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other spaces. There are tragic spikes in violence against transgender women of color. LGBTQ+ individuals — especially youth who defy sex or gender norms —face bullying and harassment in educational settings and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and death by suicide. Some states have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory bills that defy the Nation's values of inclusivity and freedom for all. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data indicates that 16% of high school youth and 10% of middle school youth identify as LGBT or questioning. The country continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women of color. And the public is still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community demands continued focus and diligence. Society must be committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this Proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal applies to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUALITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex; gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age military service; disability; or familial, residential, or economic status ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal associated with this action. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Proclamation.