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Multiple residents ask Shawnee to publicly recognize Pride Month; request limited to social-media acknowledgement
Summary
Several Shawnee residents requested that the city publicly acknowledge Pride Month (for example, a post on the city Facebook page) rather than seek funding or proclamations; speakers said a small gesture would signal inclusion to LGBTQ+ residents.
Several residents used the June 8 Shawnee City Council public comment period to ask for a simple city recognition of Pride Month, saying a short social-media post or acknowledgement would signal that LGBTQ+ residents are welcome without requiring city-funded events.
Lawrence March (Ward 1) said he was not asking for a parade or funding but only to be seen: “What I am asking for is a simple public recognition. A post on Facebook from the city page would go a long way to show members of the queer community that they are welcome in Shawnee,” he said.
Jimmy Marge (Ward 1) echoed that request, saying Pride Month awareness can help save lives and improve community connections; he clarified he was not seeking a public proclamation or city funding. Susan (who identified herself as living in Ward 4) described the flag's history and symbolism, estimated a local LGBTQIA population using regional averages, and asked the mayor and council to recognize Pride Month at their next meeting or plan a recognition for next year.
Why it matters: Speakers characterized the request as a low-cost, high-impact gesture that signals inclusion for residents who said they have faced discrimination. Multiple council members later offered verbal recognition of Pride Month during council remarks, and staff indicated the council had received several emails on the subject.
Next steps: Council members said they had received constituent emails and planned to continue the conversation; the council did not adopt a proclamation or formal resolution during the June 8 meeting.
