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Public reaction divides after Wake Forest mayor rescinds LGBTQ History Month proclamation
Summary
After the mayor declined to issue a proposed proclamation recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month, public commenters spoke both for and against issuing such proclamations and for protecting LGBTQ residents; no formal reversal of the mayor’s decision was recorded.
The mayor of Wake Forest said she had rescinded a proposed proclamation recognizing October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month, and the decision drew sharply divided public comment at the Board of Commissioners meeting.
Amanda Cottrell, representing Wake Forest Pride, read a draft proclamation for the record that asked the town to proclaim October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month and to encourage residents, schools, businesses, faith groups and community organizations to join in celebrating LGBTQ people in the town. Cottrell noted the town previously issued Pride proclamations in June 2021 and June 2022 and referenced Wake County and the state governor’s earlier proclamations.
Speakers on both sides of the issue addressed the board. Ben Chapman, a local history professional, testified on the historical significance of LGBTQ History Month and urged officials to recognize its value to community education and inclusion. Speakers in opposition, including Robert Bosley of Hope Baptist Church and others, thanked the board for rescinding the intended proclamation and urged the board to take additional steps—Bosley asked the board to “cancel the bridal festival next month,” language used in his remarks. Several speakers who opposed the proclamation framed their position in religious or moral terms; other commenters thanked the board for reversing the issuance and urged the town to stand by that decision.
Supporters of an LGBTQ proclamation and of Pride events also addressed the board. Jalen Davenport and other speakers thanked the board for standing up to pressure in other matters but urged inclusion and protection for LGBTQ residents. The transcript records a range of appeals: supporters called for recognition and belonging; opponents framed their remarks in religious or moral arguments and asked for cancellation of related community events. No formal motion or vote to adopt the proclamation was recorded; the mayor’s remarks at the end of the meeting stated that proclamations are honorary and within the mayor’s prerogative and said the LGBTQ item had become divisive, which she cited as a reason not to proceed.
The meeting record shows no follow-up vote to adopt the proclamation and no formal action to cancel town events; several speakers asked staff to consider policy or planning steps, but the board did not announce specific next steps during the session.
