The San Juan County Council unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring June 2025 Pride Month in San Juan County on June 3, 2025, endorsing support for LGBTQIA+ residents and organizations and encouraging public engagement and education.

Council action formalized recognition after leaders from local Pride organizations described recent growth in outreach and requested ongoing support. San Juan Island Pride Foundation board president Shane Smith told the council, "Our mission is simple, to foster community across LGBTQIA+ and intersecting identities and to bring much needed resources to our unique island home." Orcas Pride board member Shannon Weese said local weekend events “went fantastically” and thanked San Juan Island Pride for collaboration.

The proclamation notes the historical roots of Pride and affirms that San Juan County recognizes LGBTQIA+ residents’ entitlement to equal protection under federal, state and local laws. Speakers emphasized current local needs that they said merit attention, including access to affirming health care on the islands and specific supports for queer youth. Joy Hughes, who said she helped draft the proclamation, urged elected officials and residents to stand up for trans rights and to provide refuge for people fleeing hostile laws elsewhere.

Public remarks accompanying the proclamation described a growing local calendar of Pride events: San Juan Island Pride’s organizers said they expanded Pride Fest into a month that included art shows, allyship workshops, beach cleanups and fundraisers. Speakers asked the council and residents to attend events, increase visibility and support efforts toward long‑term resources such as an island queer community center.

The council’s adoption of the proclamation was procedural and ceremonial; no binding policy changes or funding commitments were made during the meeting. Council members thanked organizers and invited continued engagement with county officials. The proclamation was adopted at the June 3, 2025 regular meeting and copies will be provided to local Pride organizations.