HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 08 26 - City of Gilroy Pride Month - Letter of Support Senator Dave CorteseCAPITOL OFFICE CHAIR
1021 O STREET s {-t t t TRANSPORTATIONeeCaliforniaStateSenate
SACRAMENTO,CA 95814 COMMITTEES
TEL (916)651-4015 AGRICULTURE
DISTRICT OFFICE SENATOR EDUCATION
1155 MERIDIAN AVENUESUITE100 DAVE CORTESE HOUSING
SAN JOSE,CA 95125 LABOR,PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT &TEL (AGB)Foe FIFTEENTH SENATE DISTRICT ETRE MEMT
LEGISLATIVE ETHICS
November 17,2025
Honorable Mayor &Gilroy City Council Members
City of Gilroy
7351 Rosanna St
Gilroy,CA 95020
Re:June LGBTQ+Pride Month &Raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall -Support
Dear Honorable Mayor &Gilroy City Council Members,
I write to express my strong support on your agenda item to recognize June as LGBTQ+Pride Month and to raise the
Pride Flag at City Hall,which will heighten awareness of LGBTQ+Pride Month,as well as celebrate diversity,equity,
social justice,and inclusion.
The rainbow flag,also known as the LGBTQ+pride flag,serves as a symbol of Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,
and Questioning pride and LGBTQ+social movement.Today,celebrations include pride parades,picnics,parties,
workshops,symposia,and concerts.The LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world.
Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or
HIV/AIDS.The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian,gay,bisexual and
transgender individuals have had on history locally,nationally and internationally.
All children should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination.Civil rights
laws and the California Education Code sections 200-220 contribute to such environments.The lack of awareness and
understanding of issues facing LGBTQ+children and youth has contributed to higher rates of school dropout,academic
failure,suicide and school disengagement.Education regarding LGBTQ+issues increase understanding and cultivates
respect for LGBTQ+students and cultivates a culture of allyship.Your actions made history in 2021 by raising the first
Pride Flag in the city’s history,and Gilroy Unified School District made history by raising the first Pride Flag at their
District Offices in 2024.Beginning in 2025,GUSD raised the Pride Flag at all District Facilities and High Schools.
Acts of hatred against LGBTQ+members of our community will not be tolerated;hate and discrimination have no part
in our community.According to the Library of Congress the month of June is a time to celebrate our dynamic Lesbian,
Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,and Questioning (LGBTQ+)community,raise awareness of quality services,and foster a
dialogue to promote healthy and safe communities for all.|support this Resolution and urge your “Aye”vote.
Sineerely,
Senator Dave Cortese
California State Senator,15"District
senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov