LGBTQ Pride Month For AGLA

WHEREAS, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) rights movement, started 47 years ago, on June 11th, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City stood up to the police harassment that had become commonplace for members of the LGBTQ community; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, a group of courageous Arlington residents founded the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) an organization committed to the acceptance, visibility, and equality of our LGBTQ citizens, which works to provide social activities for members and friends, to build relationships with elected officials, to educate members on non-partisan political awareness, and to engage with businesses, civic groups, and community leaders in community service efforts; and

WHEREAS, for 35 years AGLA has helped Arlington become a safer, understanding, and more welcoming community by combating prejudice and by promoting awareness of the LGBTQ presence and involvement in the County; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County has a long-standing commitment to equality and diversity, and each June LGBTQ persons come together to recommit to achieving equality; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ persons have made and continue to make important and lasting contributions to Arlington County’s economic, cultural and political life; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County commends the AGLA and all those committed to securing full equality for all LGBTQ individuals;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 2016, as

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER PRIDE MONTH

in Arlington County, Virginia, and call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.