Modesto proclaims June 2025 Pride Month; Cal Pride Stanislaus thanks city for recognition

The Modesto City Council read a proclamation on June 3 declaring June 2025 as Pride Month. Mayor Sue Zwolens read the proclamation and named Jessica Parman (unable to attend) and Rowan Scanlon, executive director of Cal Pride Stanislaus, as the organization representatives accepting the proclamation.

Rowan Scanlon addressed the council and described the organization's services, saying Cal Pride Stanislaus operates harm-reduction centers and offers peer support, HIV and hepatitis C testing, health education, trainings for community organizations and legal referrals. Scanlon said Cal Pride (also referred to in remarks as 'Cal Bridal' in parts of the transcript) began as a local effort led by Stanislaus County behavioral-health staff and grew into a multi-county organization that currently serves seven counties with three main offices.

"LGBTQ centers like ours are more than just buildings. They are actual lifelines," Scanlon told the council, adding that the centers provide safe places for people to access care and support. Scanlon thanked the council "for recognizing Pride Month and for the work that Cal Pride has done," and said that the proclamation sends a message that LGBTQ+ residents are "valued and seen."

Council members received the proclamation and presented it to the Cal Pride representative without further council action. The event occurred during the ceremonial portion of the meeting and did not involve a vote beyond acceptance of the proclamation presentation.