JACKSON, Wyo. — Mayor Arne Jorgensen proclaimed June as Pride Month during the Town Council meeting on Monday, June 2.
The proclamation reads that the “Town of Jackson is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. Jorgensen said that Jackson “supports the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination.” He said that there is a need for education, dialogue and awareness to help end discrimination and prejudice.
“Our nation was founded on the principle of equal rights for all people, but the fulfillment of this promise has been long in coming for many Americans,” Jorgensen read.
Jorgensen read that some of the most inspiring moments in the country’s history are the result of movements for equal rights. The proclamation referenced an historic turning point — the movement for transgender liberation — on June 28, 1969, in New York City, during the Stonewall Riots. To commemorate the Stonewall Riots, LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations now take place all around the country in June.
“During these riots that occurred across the country, people, often led by transgender women of color, rose up and fought against discriminatory laws that have since been declared unconstitutional,” the proclamation reads.
According to the Town, LGBTQIA+ teens have increased rates of suicide, and recent health assessments show that Jackson’s LGBTQIA+ community experiences increased social isolation. Jorgensen read that celebrating Pride Month provides support to the LGBTQIA+ segment of the community.
“The Town of Jackson’s LGBTQIA+ community members are vital to all sectors, fields and professions and contribute to a stronger community overall,” Jorgensen read. “Jackson is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, racial, gender and sexual identities of its residents … all of which contribute to the vibrant character of our Town.”
Town Council urges all residents to recognize the contributions made by the LGBTQIA+ community, and to promote the principles of liberty, equality and freedom for all.
