At the last minute, I was asked to accept the Pride proclamation on behalf of the LGBTQIA community at Vallejo’s City Council meeting last night, which was an unexpected honor. Happy Pride, everybody!

Good evening, Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, and fellow residents of Vallejo.  I am deeply touched to stand before you today to accept this Pride Month Proclamation on behalf of VGN — the Vallejo Gay Network, our vibrant LGBTQIA community, and our steadfast allies here in Vallejo.  

I have to say, when people talk about the ‘Gay Agenda,’ it usually just involves brunch and good lighting, but we are honored to be on the City Council’s agenda tonight. 

Vallejo is a city that has been defined by its long-standing extraordinary diversity—a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences, which drew me to research, relocate, and settle here permanently years ago. By issuing this proclamation, Vallejo sends a clear, resonant message: that here, everyone belongs. This City Council affirms that our community is not just tolerated but SEEN, valued, celebrated, and, most importantly, RESPECTED as an integral part of what makes this city so deeply special.

Pride is, at its heart, a celebration of joy and authentic self-expression. But we must also remember that the Pride we speak of began as a protest. It is rooted in the profound courage of those who stood up against discrimination, who fought tirelessly for the simple human right to exist authentically …and to love openly. Today, we honor their legacy.

While we raise the pride flag in Vallejo above our government buildings and celebrate the remarkable progress we have made together in some parts of this country, we also recognize the work that still lies ahead. In a world where many still face barriers to full equality, local leadership matters immensely. Let this proclamation serve not just as a ceremonial gesture, but as a renewed, everyday commitment to fostering a Vallejo where compassion guides our community’s policies.  That will, in turn, create a safe space where residents who grow up here can feel protected when discovering themselves.

In June, we will have our 28th annual Pride picnic, and of course the Vallejo Gay Network has been having monthly potlucks since 1998.  Events at so many venues like the Madhatter events and Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum are always there for the LGBTQIA residents to enjoy.

Thank you to the Mayor, the City Council, and the community of Vallejo for standing with us, for lifting up our voices, and for leading with inclusivity.

Happy Pride!