Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the LGBTQ Pride topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benicia proclaims June 2025 LGBTQIA Pride Month as local advocates urge ongoing support
Summary
Mayor Steve Young read a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQIA Pride Month; local organizers from the Benicia LGBTQIA network and Solano Pride urged continued visibility, youth supports and community allyship.
Mayor Steve Young read a proclamation declaring June 2025 LGBTQIA Pride Month in Benicia and cited the Stonewall uprising and the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision on marriage equality as part of the proclamation’s context.
Christina Gilpin Hayes, founder of the Venetia LGBTQIA network, told the council that the group focuses on local networking, visibility and support for queer residents. "We are here. We're not going anywhere," she said, adding that outreach and events help support youth and local businesses. City leaders and members of the VIBE team (Values, Inclusivity, Belonging, Equity) voiced support and noted a series of library and community events planned in June and later months.
The proclamation formalizes the council’s public support but does not create a new city program; organizers used the opportunity to highlight ongoing concerns they said require continued attention, including youth homelessness and mental-health risks. The council recognized local organizations by name and encouraged residents to consult the city website for event listings.
The mayor invited Christina Gilpin Hayes and Will McGarvey from Solano Pride to the podium; Hayes spoke about the local network’s activities and the need for continued visible support, while other members of the VIBE team offered brief remarks of appreciation.
The declaration is symbolic and intended to publicly affirm Benicia’s support for LGBTQIA residents. City staff and local advocates said they will continue outreach and event coordination with libraries and community centers in June and beyond.
