HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 28 26 - City of Gilroy Pride Month - Letter of Support BAYMECP.O. Box 112316
Campbell, California 95011
November 25, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Gilroy City Council
City of Gilroy
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
Re: Support for June LGBTQ+ Pride Month & Raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers:
On behalf of those of us committed to equality and inclusion in Santa Clara County, I write in strong support of your
agenda item recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and raising the Pride Flag at City Hall in 2025.
This action is more than ceremonial. It is a public affirmation that Gilroy stands for dignity, visibility, and belonging for all
residents. The Pride Flag has long been a unifying symbol of the LGBTQ+ community—representing resilience,
authenticity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Around the globe, Pride Month brings together millions in parades,
celebrations, workshops, and remembrance events honoring those we have lost to violence, discrimination, and
HIV/AIDS. It is also a time to recognize the countless contributions LGBTQ+ people have made to our shared local,
regional, national, and international history.
Your city’s leadership on this issue matters deeply—especially to LGBTQ+ youth. Every child deserves to learn in a safe,
supportive environment free from discrimination. California’s civil rights laws and Education Code sections 200–220 make
that expectation clear, but it takes community leadership to fulfill it. When schools and cities act with intention, we see
lower dropout rates, better academic outcomes, and healthier, more connected students. Inclusive education and visible
allyship help build understanding and respect, creating schools where all young people can thrive.
Gilroy has already made history. In 2021, you raised the Pride Flag at City Hall for the first time where I was honored to be
a speaker. In 2024, the Gilroy Unified School District raised the Pride Flag at its District Office, and beginning in 2025,
expanded that commitment to all District facilities and high schools. These are the kinds of milestones that change lives
and strengthen communities.
Hate and discrimination have no place here. By recognizing Pride Month and raising the flag, the City of Gilroy sends a
clear message that every resident, no matter who they are or whom they love, is valued and protected. As the Library of
Congress affirms, June is a month to uplift the LGBTQ+ community, expand access to inclusive services, and foster
dialogue that leads to safer, healthier communities for everyone.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge your “Aye” vote on this Resolution.
Thank you for your leadership and your continued commitment to equity and equality.
Respectfully,
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Drew Lloyd
Board President
BAYMEC (Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee)