Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month

WHEREAS, in 1972 when Jeanne Manford march with her son, Morty, in New York’s Pride parade, and gay and lesbian participants begged her to talk to their parents, she decided to start a support group for parents with gay and lesbian children; and

WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24, who are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers; and

WHEREAS, LGBT youth who come from not accepting and rejecting families are more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide than their LGBT peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection.

WHEREAS, each June LGBT persons come together to recommit to achieving equality; and

WHEREAS, a group of Arlington County employees established a LGBT+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) to promote a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and where everyone can be their authentic selves in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County, Virginia, commends the LGBT+ ERG for their dedication to the promotion of equality, non-discrimination, fairness and justice for all employees regardless of sex, orientation or gender identity;

WHEREAS, Arlington County’s long-standing commitment to equality and diversity provides a positive environment for all employees to reach their full potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Cristol, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 2018, as

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH

in Arlington County, Virginia in honor of freedom from prejudice and bias in any form, and in recognition and praise of those members of our community who constantly fight the battle for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, creed, ethnic origin, or religion.

Katie Cristol,

Chair

Arlington County Board