Evansville council officially recognizes June as Pride Month; public commenters urge further protections

The Common Council of the City of Evansville on May 19 adopted Resolution C-20-25-18 recognizing the June celebration of Pride Month. The vote was 8-0.

Council members framed the resolution as an inclusive, symbolic acknowledgment. One councilor described the recognition as reaffirming the city’s values of inclusion, dignity and equal treatment, and noted that local recognition matters particularly given state and national policy debates that some councilors described as targeting LGBTQ people. Several council members said the resolution is a message of support rather than a vehicle for new local legal protections.

Members of the public addressed the council during the meeting. Dawn Schwendell, president of River City Bridal, spoke in support and offered brief remarks. Giovanni Carlino, who identified himself as a resident of 200 North Main Street, recounted coming out after moving to Evansville and said the resolution sends a message to young people that they are seen and belong. Charlotte Morrison, of 30 East Virginia Street, thanked the council for the resolution but told members she wanted the city to “go further” to protect LGBTQ residents and pointed to anti-LGBTQ legislation in other states; she said she had spoken privately to several councilors about a proposed resolution she had offered and urged broader protections.

After public comment the council voted by roll call: Trockman (aye); Mosby (aye); Hieronymus (aye); Kayler Lindsey (aye); Brinkmeyer (aye); Allen (aye); Johnson (aye); Green (aye). The chair declared Resolution C-20-25-18 adopted by a vote of 8-0.

Speakers at the meeting noted that the resolution is ceremonial and does not itself create new ordinance-level protections; several public commentators explicitly requested additional action from the city.