FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Vicki van den Eikhof
Campaign Manager, Funk for County Supervisor 2024
(805) 391-4440
June 13, 2023
Atascadero, CA–Tonight, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in its 6 pm meeting, the Atascadero City Council will issue a proclamation recognizing the city’s LGBTQ+ citizens. The proclamation references the Constitution, the city’s mission statement, the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce DEI Pledge, the history of the Stonewall Uprising for equal rights that prompted the spread of Pride Month celebrations in June, recognizes during Pride Month the coequal humanity of our LGBTQ+ community members, and urges all residents to honor our widely varied community and work together with us to build a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.
“I requested a Pride Month proclamation as an affirmation of respectful and inclusive community values at a time when false fears and unfounded accusations have made many LGBTQ + persons feel less safe in our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Susan Funk. “As a straight, white, married Christian woman,” noted Funk, “I have the luxury of automatically fitting in where others may feel more vulnerable due to differences. Those of us in social majorities need to lead the way in creating a community that is safe for all persons, and a democracy in which all citizens have a voice.”
The Reverend Heather Branton, pastor of the Community Church of Atascadero, will be on hand to receive the proclamation, together with other local faith leaders. The Community Church of Atascadero has been serving the Atascadero community for over 100 years. Many members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community send emails encouraging the City to offer Pride Month recognition.
The “Proclamation Recognizing LGBTQ+ Citizens of Atascadero” is on the agenda of the regular meeting the Atascadero City Council for presentation near the outset of the meeting. The meeting starts promptly at 6 pm. Persons wanting to participate in person should enter City Hall from the Lewis Avenue side and take the elevator to the 4th floor Council chambers. Options to participate by Zoom or watch the meeting on SLO-Span, Channel 20 or KPRL Radio 1230 AM and 99.3 FM are detailed on the first page of the meeting agenda at Atascadero.org.
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