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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 2, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-b <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month <br /> DEPARTMENT: Office of Civil Rights and Civic <br /> Life <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Paul Slack, (919) 245-2317 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Each June, communities across the nation celebrate the courage and <br /> contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals while honoring the movement's roots in resistance and <br /> resilience. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City — a <br /> spontaneous response to police harassment that sparked a nationwide push for LGBTQ+ <br /> liberation and visibility. The first Pride marches, held one year later, transformed that momentum <br /> into public demonstrations for equality, dignity, and freedom. <br /> Since Stonewall, LGBTQ+ advocacy has driven significant progress, including landmark Supreme <br /> Court decisions affirming marriage equality and workplace protections, as well as expanded <br /> federal hate crime legislation. Today, LGBTQ+ individuals serve in leadership roles across every <br /> level of government, and Pride events around the world continue to amplify voices of joy, identity, <br /> and justice. <br /> Despite this progress, challenges persist. Discrimination, targeted legislation, and violence — <br /> especially against transgender women of color — remain pressing concerns. LGBTQ+ youth still <br /> face disproportionate levels of bullying and mental health risks. In Orange County, local data <br /> echoes national trends, underscoring the need for affirming spaces in schools and communities. <br /> Pride Month calls us not only to celebrate how far we have come, but to reaffirm the commitment <br /> to a more inclusive and equitable future where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or <br /> gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect. <br /> One of several Pride Month events happening around Orange County in June includes the Chapel <br /> Hill Pride Promenade on June 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/ LEARNING COMMUNITY <br />