HomeMy WebLinkAboutBAYMEC Letter to gilroy city council 2024P.O. Box 112316
Campbell, California 95011
December 2, 2024
Honorable Mayor & Gilroy City Council Members
City of Gilroy
7351 Rosanna St.
Gilroy, CA 95020
Subject: Support for June LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the Pride Flag Raising at City Hall
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
On behalf of BAYMEC, California’s oldest nonpartisan LGBTQ+ Political Action Committee, I am writing to
express our enthusiastic support for recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and for raising the Pride Flag
at Gilroy City Hall. These actions stand as powerful symbols of inclusion, diversity, and community solidarity,
demonstrating Gilroy’s commitment to equity and social justice.
The rainbow Pride Flag is more than a banner; it represents the resilience, pride, and contributions of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Around the globe, Pride Month brings together millions
through parades, concerts, workshops, and memorials, which honor lives lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.
These celebrations and remembrances amplify the critical work still needed to achieve full equality.
In our local community and across the country, LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges, including bullying,
discrimination, and higher risks of mental health struggles. California’s Education Code and civil rights laws
establish a vital framework to combat these issues, yet the work of fostering safe, inclusive spaces is ongoing.
Acknowledging Pride Month and raising the Pride Flag is a profound step in creating a supportive environment
where all students and families feel seen and valued.
Your leadership in raising the Pride Flag for the first time in 2021 was a landmark moment, demonstrating
Gilroy’s dedication to inclusion. The Gilroy Unified School District’s commitment to displaying the Pride Flag at
its offices and facilities is another inspiring testament to our community’s progress.
Continuing this tradition sends a clear message: hatred and discrimination have no place in Gilroy. It reaffirms
that this city celebrates diversity, values equality, and upholds the dignity of all its residents.
We strongly urge you to support this resolution, ensuring Gilroy remains a beacon of inclusivity and pride for
generations to come.
Sincerely,
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Drew Lloyd
President, BAYMEC