HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.4.24 Letter of Support Gilroy Pride FlagNOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
Zoe Lofgren
Member of Congress December 3, 2024 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
As the Member of the U.S. House of Representatives proudly representing the City of Gilroy, I support your agenda item to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month & Raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall. This will heighten awareness of LGBTQ Pride Month, as well as celebrate diversity, equity, social justice and inclusion.
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. The rainbow flag, also known as the LGBTQ+ pride flag, serves as a
symbol of the LGBTQ+ social movement. LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts. These events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are also 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 200-2201 contribute to such environments. The lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing
LGBTQ+ children and youth can contribute to higher rates of school dropout, academic failure, suicide and school disengagement. Education regarding LGBTQ+ issues can increase understanding and cultivate 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 will raise the Pride Flag at all District Facilities
1 California Education Code, Section 220. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 493, Sec. 3, AB 699, effective
January 1, 2018). The California Education Code, Section 220, prohibits discrimination in educational programs or activities based on various characteristics. Specifically, it prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any characteristic included in the definition of hate crimes under Penal Code Section 422.55,
including immigration status. This provision applies to any educational institution that receives state financial assistance or enrolls students who receive state financial aid.
NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
and High Schools. Hate and discrimination, including against LGBTQ+ members of our community, have no part in our community. I support this Resolution and wanted you to know my views.
Sincerely,
Zoe Lofgren Member of Congress