4. RESOLUTION 2022-21 - A RESOLUTION to recognize the month of June 2022 as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in the City of Lakewood.
Pride Month started as the result of riots. The Stonewall riots took place June 28, 1969, following a police raid at a gay club in New York. There were women at the center of these riots. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transwoman and Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transwoman. These two women of color are credited with being advocates for people of color, low-income queer and the Trans communities throughout their lives.
I am proud that the City of Lakewood is producing this resolution, but the record needs to be speak on the contributions that women of color have played in history, especially Black women, and especially since we are coming up on Juneteenth. Women of color including Black women continue to participate in democracy at high levels nationally and locally, despite being shut out. A resolution recognizing a month isn't enough when our City's governance and leadership is not reflective or representative of the people and those that are doing the work on committees and task forces in the community and those that are on the ground level of community-based development.
Progress is not merely diversity and an acceptance or even a tolerance of individuals. Progress is moving the needle from diversity to equity to inclusion to belonging. LGBTQIA+ and people of color need to have a sense of belonging (and purpose) in Lakewood and that should be the goal.
We owe it to those that came before us, fighting on the front lines and stirring up 'good trouble' to build a community that is safe and belonging to both People of Color AND LGBTQIA+. The intersection of Black/Brown lives and LGBTQIA+ is here.
I support this resolution and challenge the City to engage and continue to engage in meaningful reflection, learning, and conversation with the LGBTQIA+ community and communities of color; to continue to look for actions that can be taken to push the needle on equity, inclusion and belonging; and continue support of the ARTF and it's work.
Pride Month started as the result of riots. The Stonewall riots took place June 28, 1969, following a police raid at a gay club in New York. There were women at the center of these riots. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transwoman and Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transwoman. These two women of color are credited with being advocates for people of color, low-income queer and the Trans communities throughout their lives.
I am proud that the City of Lakewood is producing this resolution, but the record needs to be speak on the contributions that women of color have played in history, especially Black women, and especially since we are coming up on Juneteenth. Women of color including Black women continue to participate in democracy at high levels nationally and locally, despite being shut out. A resolution recognizing a month isn't enough when our City's governance and leadership is not reflective or representative of the people and those that are doing the work on committees and task forces in the community and those that are on the ground level of community-based development.
Progress is not merely diversity and an acceptance or even a tolerance of individuals. Progress is moving the needle from diversity to equity to inclusion to belonging. LGBTQIA+ and people of color need to have a sense of belonging (and purpose) in Lakewood and that should be the goal.
We owe it to those that came before us, fighting on the front lines and stirring up 'good trouble' to build a community that is safe and belonging to both People of Color AND LGBTQIA+. The intersection of Black/Brown lives and LGBTQIA+ is here.
I support this resolution and challenge the City to engage and continue to engage in meaningful reflection, learning, and conversation with the LGBTQIA+ community and communities of color; to continue to look for actions that can be taken to push the needle on equity, inclusion and belonging; and continue support of the ARTF and it's work.
Angelina Steiner, Co-Chair ARTF