Grand Haven proclaims June 2025 Pride Month as community leaders and residents voice support

The Grand Haven City Council on June 2 adopted a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month and directing the word “pride” be placed on the city welcome sign at Washington Avenue and Fifth Street as a visual representation of the city’s support for the LGBTQ community.

The proclamation language, prepared by the Human Relations Commission, affirms the city’s commitment to “visibility, dignity and equality” for LGBTQ people and calls on residents to work to eliminate prejudice. Steve Tromoland, a member of the Human Relations Commission, read the proclamation on the commission’s behalf and the item was included in the consent agenda, which the council approved unanimously.

Public comment that evening featured several speakers associated with Grand Haven Pride. John Simeon, co‑chair of the Grand Haven Pride Festival, said the festival is a celebration of inclusion and noted last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees before rain intervened. Amy Verway, co‑chair of the Pride board of directors and a mental‑health therapist, told council that visible municipal support can have measurable mental‑health benefits for LGBTQ youth and adults, saying community support “actively saves lives.” Melanie Swifney, the festival committee secretary, described planned events for June 14 including a kickoff, a drag show, a vendor market, kids activities and music through the evening.

Several residents and clergy who spoke during the public comment period urged continued city support and encouraged attendance at the festival. The council adopted the proclamation as part of its consent agenda and directed staff to place the pride wording on the city sign as specified in the proclamation.

Motion and vote: The proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month was moved and carried as part of the consent agenda; the council approved the consent agenda items by roll call.