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Jefferson County proclaims June 2025 LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, adopts county pride flag for June
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners read and adopted a proclamation declaring June 2025 LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and unveiled a county-branded pride flag and outreach efforts emphasizing safety, inclusion and youth supports.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and unveiled a county-branded pride flag for the month during a ceremony at the start of the June 10 meeting.
Commissioner Leslie Dahlkemper opened the event and said the board “proudly and unapologetically support our LGBTQIA plus community.” She invited residents to consult national resources, including The Trevor Project, and said the county will work to make Jefferson County safe and welcoming year-round.
Marika Sitz, Jefferson County’s diversity, equity and inclusion manager, spoke about the public‑health implications of affirming school and community environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and summarized evidence linking acceptance with lower rates of attempted suicide. She urged residents and county staff to respect pronouns and to use visible signals of safety such as pins and flags.
Commissioner Zenzinger said the proclamation rejects erasure and dehumanization and expressed support for federal policies that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals. Commissioner Kerr then read the proclamation’s ‘‘whereas’’ clauses, which cite the Stonewall riots of 1969 and declare the county’s commitment to protect rights and ensure safety and dignity for LGBTQIA+ residents.
Officials invited attendees to an atrium photo with the county pride flag and distributed commemorative bucket hats and “You’re Safe With Me” pins. Facilities staff expedited production of flags and handed out nearly 400 bucket hats at recent community events, county officials said.
The proclamation was ceremonial and did not create new county policy; commissioners said it signals the county’s public commitment and directs outreach and awareness activities during June.
