Submitted by San Juan County.
During the first meeting of the month, the Council issued a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in San Juan County. The proclamation, written alongside members of the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledges that LGBTQIA+ folks have lived in the San Juan Islands since time immemorial and celebrates their valuable contributions in areas such as education, arts, health care, small business, government agencies, environmental advocacy, community organizing and more.
“I think it’s well known that I’m a member of the LGBTQ community,” said Council Chair Kari McVeigh. “And this is an amazing place because we accept diversity. We believe in San Juan County that diversity and equity are our strengths.”
Representatives from San Juan Island Pride Foundation and Orcas Pride, along with other community members, spoke on behalf of Pride Month during the meeting, highlighting current events and resources available to LGBTQIA+ community members and allies, as well as future plans and goals for engagement.
“Today we are asking for action,” said San Juan Island Pride Foundation speaker Shayne Smith. “Join us, celebrate with us, stand in public spaces and help send a message that the LGBTQ community is welcome, celebrated, and here in San Jan County.”
The proclamation closes with a call to action, encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to recognize Pride Month by seeking education and information, acknowledging the broad history and impact of LGBTQIA+ county residents and engaging in ongoing dialogue with family, friends and neighbors in an effort to create and sustain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
“There’s always work to be done to make sure that we check our biases and fears at the door and realize that we’re all human beings and all of us bring so much to the table to make this a great place to live,” closed McVeigh.
LGBTQIA+ Community in San Juan County
San Juan County is pleased to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture and identities within the islands, fostering an increased sense of community, belonging and safety for all community members and visitors. Our County is proud to honor the fight against discrimination and to honor the contributions of our LGBTQIA+ residents to our community.
Local Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community include:
San Juan Island Pride Foundation: https://sanjuanislandpridefoundation.org/.
Orcas Island Pride: https://www.orcasislandpride.com/.
Learn more on the County’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2198/Pride-Month.
