Nevada City proclaims June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month; county group outlines events

Nevada City’s council on June 10 adopted a proclamation designating June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and celebrated a string of recent community events, including a flag-raising, a gallery exhibit and the city’s first Pride parade.

At public comment, Rick Partridge, representing Nevada County Pride, thanked the council and described the group’s work organizing recent events and outreach. "Pride is more than a parade or a flag raising," Partridge said. "It's the courage in our community to replace isolation with belonging. It's the belief that fundamentally every person deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to live their authentic life." He encouraged residents to take a county survey and mentioned a forthcoming Pride Family Festival and a gallery reception that will include a history component and a showcase of local queer artists.

The proclamation recited the city's earlier 2022 and 2023 commitments and said the city honored the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents and allies. It also noted the city’s gallery exhibition of LGBTQ+ artists will remain on display through September 2026. The council’s proclamation concluded with language formally proclaiming June 2026 as Pride Month and was adopted during the meeting.

Council members and staff praised the recent events as both culturally meaningful and economically beneficial; speakers noted a marked increase in visitors and positive attention for Nevada City. The proclamation and the public praise come as local organizers seek to expand programming and maintain safeguards the volunteer group described — including nonpartisan, inclusive outreach and supports for youth and families.

The city did not take additional policy action tied to the proclamation at the meeting. Organizers said they will continue outreach and encouraged residents to look for event notices from Nevada County Pride.