Speakers urge Yakima council to restore Pride Month recognition after 2024 rejection

Multiple speakers used Tuesday’s public-comment period to criticize the Yakima City Council’s 2024 decision not to adopt a Pride Month proclamation and to ask the council to restore recognition and protections for LGBTQ+ residents.

“Why deny your support for us? Honestly, what did we do?” asked Dr. Margaret France, who said she spoke on behalf of 10 to 15 percent of Yakima’s citizens and criticized the council’s 2024 rejection of a Pride Month proclamation. “We are part of this community. We are in your schools. We are in your churches. We are in your restaurants. We are paying your taxes.”

Christina Neriti, a retired nursing dean and longtime Valley resident, told the council she and her partner have raised a daughter in Yakima and asked the council to “reconsider your decision of 05/21/2024 to reject the Pride Month Proclamation.” Neriti framed Pride as visibility and safety: “Pride is not about division… It is about visibility, acceptance and our safety. It is about affirming that we are a part of this community and deserve to live here without fear.”

Bill Bosch also spoke in support of recognition and urged respect for diversity, equity and inclusion as fundamental principles. Speakers did not ask the council to take a specific legislative action at this meeting; their remarks were part of the public-comment period.

Council did not take formal action to reverse or adopt a Pride proclamation at Tuesday’s meeting. The mayor reminded speakers that the public-comment period must not be used for campaign purposes during the election season. The council’s prior vote on the Pride proclamation, referenced by speakers, occurred at the May 21, 2024 meeting and was described by commenters as the background for their appeals.