On Tuesday, May 28th, the West Windsor Council issued its first ever proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month.
Below is a copy of my prepared remarks, along with the Proclamation.
It’s great to see so many people here today. Especially when there’s something to celebrate.
I’d like to thank Council President Linda Geevers for her collaboration on this proclamation. As well as the rest of Council and the Mayor for their support.
Over the course of time, West Windsor has made many proclamations that demonstrate support for a variety of topics, but this – this is the first time in West Windsor history that a proclamation is being issued in recognition of Pride Month. Congratulations West Windsor!
This proclamation uses the term LGBTQ+, which is a shortened version of LGBTQIA+ - which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex, and Asexual (or Ally). The plus represents other orientations, gender identities, and expressions that are not specific to the preceding letters.
This community adopted the rainbow flag as a symbol of pride, diversity, and solidarity. The flag’s spectrum of colors represents different aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience and underscores the inclusivity and unity within the community. The rainbow flag has become an enduring symbol of the fight for equality.
Yes, there are a lot of letters and colors in this community. The intersectionality of this group is rather unique. We are members of every race and religion. We are your children, your brothers, your sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents. We are your neighbors, your colleagues, your physicians, nurses, police officers, firefighters, teachers, bankers, actors, musicians, and artists.
For decades, this community has been denied numerous basic civil rights and suffered great injustices. While the state of NJ is one of several states that offer comprehensive laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, many other states lack such protections. It is still possible in this county to be denied employment, or housing, or healthcare, adoption, and public accommodations because of one’s sexual orientation.
In my lifetime, one could be arrested and criminally charged for simply gathering in a bar, or wearing an article of clothing deemed incorrect, or holding someone’s hand. While times have changed, in the past year there has been a significant surge in the introduction of anti-transgender legislation across various states in the US. These bills target a variety of issues, including access to healthcare, participation in sports, and the use of public facilities. Such legislation perpetuates discrimination, stigmatizes transgender individuals, and undermines their rights and well-being.
Discussing historical facts is important, even when it sheds light on aspects that we are not particularly proud of. Because that is how we learn and how we grow.
For example, The Magnus Hirschfeld Clinic, also known as the Institute for Sexual Science, was a pioneering center for research and advocacy on sexual and gender issues, founded in Berlin, Germany in 1919. The clinic provided medical, psychological, and educational services, and it was a proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and gender affirming healthcare. In 1933, the clinic was targeted by the Nazi regime. The institute was raided, its extensive archives and library were publicly burned and destroyed. This act was part of the broader Nazi campaign against sexual and gender diversity, because one of the first things the Nazis did was to go after transgender children. We cannot allow history to repeat itself.
I’d like to finish with some quotes from Harvey Milk, an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California in 1977, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In his first year of office, he sponsored a groundbreaking bill banning discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. The Supervisors passed the bill by a vote of 11–1, and it was signed into law by Mayor George Moscone. Also in his first year of office, Milk, along with Moscone, was assassinated by a disgruntled former city supervisor – the one who cast the sole vote against Milk's bill.
Milk said
"It takes no compromise to give people their rights... it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression."
"Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard."
So let’s make our voices heard and celebrate the tremendous progress we have made in civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. From the decriminalization of same-sex relationships to the recognition of marriage equality, we have witnessed remarkable strides toward justice and inclusion. Our journey has been fueled by the courage and resilience of countless individuals who dared to live authentically and fought tirelessly for their rights. Today, we honor their legacy by committing to a future where love, acceptance, and equality are the hallmarks of our society. Together, let us continue to champion diversity, embrace our shared humanity, and build a community where everyone can proudly and freely be who they are.
Happy Pride Month!
And now for our proclamation.
PRIDE MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, this nation was founded on the principle that every individual was born free and equal in dignity and rights, and the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of West Windsor calls upon the people of this municipality to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists; and
WHEREAS, while society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ+ equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ individuals have had immeasurable impact to the cultural, civic and economic successes of our country, our state, our town; and
WHEREAS, June is celebrated as Pride Month on the nation, state, county and local level throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Township of West Windsor is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people in our diverse community; and
WHEREAS, celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for West Windsor’s LGBTQ+ community, and is an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights; and
WHEREAS, West Windsor Township joins the State of New Jersey and County of Mercer in honoring the history of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in supporting the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of West Windsor herby recognizes and proclaims the month of June 2024 as Pride Month in support of the LGBTQ community.
One final note –please join Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and the County Commissioners for a Pride Flag Raising celebration at the Mercer County Park Marina and Boathouse this Monday, June 3rd at 5:30pm. I hope to see you there.
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