Tulare County honors local LGBT+ groups; public commenter criticizes supervisors for leaving ceremony

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors on June 2 presented a proclamation recognizing local LGBT+ organizations for their community services, including the Source LGBT+ Center, PFLAG (Tulare/Kings) and the Vicelia Pride Lions Club.

Dr. Katherine Hall, president of PFLAG (Tulare/Kings), said the chapter was founded to support families and that the group continues its mission to "create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them." John Ward of the Vicelia Pride Lions described service projects the club runs for seniors and people experiencing homelessness. A representative of the Source said the center serves more than 8,000 people a year with 30‑plus programs including HIV prevention, mental‑health care and youth leadership.

The proclamation was read by the chair and recognized decades of local work; the board signed the document during the meeting.

During the public‑comment period, Jim Reeves, a founding board member of the Source and a longtime PFLAG volunteer, criticized two supervisors for leaving the chamber while the recognition was read. "The disrespect that shows is just stunning to me that you would be leaders of the entire county and walk out of this room when the LGBT community is recognized," he said, adding he was disappointed and praising the supervisors who remained as "an example of leadership in this county." The transcript shows applause following Reeves' remarks; no formal board response to the allegation was recorded in open session.

Speakers from the recognized organizations thanked the board and noted partnerships with county agencies. The board moved on after public comment to routine business.

What happens next: The organizations will continue to coordinate with county partners on services and outreach; the public comment may be raised again by community groups seeking further board comment or apology.