Gig Harbor declares June LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the 1st time. Here’s what happened
For the first time, Gig Harbor’s City Council has voted to approve a resolution declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the city.
Council member Brenda Lykins earlier this month heard from a resident who shared their story about how it feels to be a member of the community in Gig Harbor. The resident expressed that it was difficult to feel accepted and that it would mean a lot to have their home city make a statement to show acceptance of Pride Month, Lykins said.
Council member Lykins shared how the story moved her and at the May 9 City Council meeting asked the council if they would consider a Pride Month resolution.
After that meeting Lykins met with city clerk Josh Stecker and council member Mary Barber to develop and prepare a resolution to bring to the May 23 council meeting.
“After receiving thoughtful consideration and supportive feedback from council members, residents and businesses following a pride resolution proposed at the last meeting, I am proud to put forward this resolution to declare the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the city of Gig Harbor,” Lykins said at the meeting May 23.
The council voted unanimously to pass the resolution.
“It was really amazing how good it felt that all of the council was really supportive and that they passed it unanimously,” Lykins told The Gateway Thursday.
It’s the first time in the city’s history that the council has passed a resolution declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Gig Harbor.
Other council members voiced their support for the resolution at the meeting.
“This is long overdue and I am really proud of our city for taking this step. I think this is wonderful and I am very excited to celebrate pride month,” council member Robyn Denson said.
“This is a wonderful way to put our words into action. I look forward to supporting this with my vote,” council member Jeni Woock said.
“I want to invite all residents if this shall pass to celebrate, welcome and promote a culture of acceptance towards our LGBTQ+ friends, family and neighbors. How wonderful it could be that no matter how you identify or who you love you are welcome in Gig Harbor,” Lykins said before the vote.
City leaders are in the process of finalizing plans for how Gig Harbor will celebrate. Council members planned to have a discussion about that at their May 26 study session.
“I spoke with a few members of our LGBTQ+ members in the community and they suggested it would be meaningful to see displays throughout the city,” Lykins said.
Lykins said she has received a number of supportive emails, comments, and praise from the community and businesses about declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
When council and city staff developed Gig Harbor’s two-year strategic plan at their retreat in January, they set a goal for Gig Harbor to be a safe and livable community for all. This resolution supports that by showing that no matter how you identify or who you love, you are welcome in Gig Harbor, Lykins said.
