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Wake Forest public debate over LGBTQ+ History Month follows boarddecision to rescind proclamation
Summary
Supporters and opponents of a proposed October 2025 LGBTQ+ History Month proclamation filled the public-comment period after the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners rescinded the proposed proclamation, prompting appeals for recognition, and counterarguments grounded in religious and moral views.
Supporters and opponents of a proposed October 2025 LGBTQ+ History Month proclamation packed the public-comment portion of the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners meeting on Sept. 30, following the boarddecision to rescind the proposed proclamation.
Amanda Cottrell, a Wake Forest Pride board member, presented a draft proclamation to the board and urged officials to adopt language recognizing "October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month," saying such proclamations "are about recognition and belonging and not division." She noted that Wake Forest and nearby governments have issued similar proclamations in past years and asked the board to reconsider adoption in October.
Other speakers framed the issue differently. Robert Bosley of Hope Baptist Church thanked the board for rescinding the proclamation, saying the reversal was the "appropriate course of action" and urging the board to take further steps, including canceling a planned bridal festival. Bosley told the board that "we support you" and asked officials to "stand" in line with his congregation's views.
Ben Chapman, a local history professional, argued for the significance of recognizing LGBTQ history and said proclamations can provide community context and affirmation. Multiple speakers who supported the proclamation connected the request to broader efforts to celebrate and protect diverse community members and cited prior local and county proclamations recognizing LGBTQ residents.
Mayor Evelyn (surname not specified in the record) addressed the controversy in her closing remarks, saying proclamations are honorary and do not carry legal force. She said the proposed proclamation "created division and discord" and that, as mayor, she has tried to "do what I felt was best for the town of Wake Forest as a whole." The mayor asked the community to move forward and work to be "the inclusive community that we all want to be."
What happens next: The record shows the town has declined to proceed with the October proclamation presented during this meeting. Commissioners did not reverse that decision during the Sept. 30 session; no vote to adopt the LGBTQ History Month proclamation appears in the meeting transcript.
