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Marin supervisors adopt Pride proclamation; behavioral health staff outline youth and senior LGBTQIA+ supports
Summary
The Marin County Board of Supervisors on June 24 adopted a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) described youth early‑intervention contracts, a new seniors’ peer group pilot, and outreach events tied to the county’s LGBTQIA+ work.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors on June 24 adopted a proclamation declaring June 2025 LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and heard a presentation from county behavioral health staff about programs to support LGBTQIA+ youth and older adults.
The proclamation, introduced by Supervisor Rodoni and seconded by Supervisor Lukin, recognizes the county’s intention to “address intersecting systems of discrimination and advance equity” and to support programming that affirms LGBTQIA+ identities. Board members moved and seconded the proclamation and the board voted to adopt it.
The county’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) team told the board it is expanding school‑based early‑intervention work for LGBTQIA+ youth and launching a pilot peer‑led group for older LGBTQIA+ adults. “Support from even one accepting adult can significantly reduce the risk of suicide for transgender and nonbinary youth,” said Dr. Todd Shermer, BHRS director, citing national data on youth suicide risk that he presented to the board.
BHRS Supervisor Mario Garcia described a newly awarded school‑based program run by the Youth Leadership Institute that will offer group sessions focusing on peer connection, life skills, psychoeducation, and linkages to mental‑health and gender‑affirming care. Garcia said the organization will also provide training to school staff to strengthen campus supports.
BHRS said it will partner with the nonprofit Vivillon to run Rooted and Resilience, “LGBTQ+ Seniors Building Strength Together,” a nine‑month series of monthly peer‑led groups for older adults that begins July 8. Samantha Ramirez, a bilingual outreach coordinator with BHRS, described this month’s Pride events organized by the department and said the county plans additional arts‑centered healing events and outreach materials.
Public commenters representing unions, community organizations and family networks spoke in support of the proclamation and highlighted service needs. Jana Barking, who said she is the parent of a trans child raised in Marin, urged the county to preserve and expand local supports and emphasized the medical associations’ findings that gender‑affirming care is life‑saving for many youth. Community organizer Janie (last name given on the record) described founding a new Marin LGBTQ+ center and detailed local pride‑month events.
BHRS staff provided dates and program details: the Rooted and Resilience pilot begins Tuesday, July 8 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and flyers were made available at the meeting. BHRS representatives said flyers and follow‑up information will be posted on county channels for people seeking details or referrals.
The proclamation and the BHRS presentation were procedural items on the board’s agenda; the board adopted the proclamation and invited participants and community members to gather for a photo after the vote. The board did not take additional funding actions at the June 24 meeting as part of the proclamation itself.
Looking ahead, BHRS said it will continue outreach and training partnerships with the Marin County Office of Education and community organizations to expand school‑based services and to monitor demand for senior peer supports.
For people seeking more information on BHRS LGBTQIA+ programs and the Rooted and Resilience pilot, BHRS staff indicated flyers and contact information will be available through the department.
