City Council formally recognized June as LGBTQ+ Pride month in Alexandria on Tuesday night (June 10).
“It’s very real that there are people in this country, and even in this city, who, because of who they are, don’t know if they’re going to be welcomed or not,” City Council Member R. Kirk McPike said before reading a city proclamation. “This is a difficult time for many people in our community, LGBTQ+ communities across the country.”
The proclamation was presented to members of the city’s LGBTQ+ Task Force.
As previously reported, Alexandria will host its Annual LGBTQIA+ Pride fair on June 28 (Saturday) from 3 to 6 p.m. at City Hall and Market Square (301 King Street).
Attendees can dance to live music and a DJ, express themselves at the mobile art lab, stop by the food trucks for a bite to eat, and visit the tables of more than 75 Pride-celebrating programs and businesses in Alexandria. There will be two sessions of Drag Story Hour, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., inside City Hall, to “imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves.”
Additionally, throughout the month, Pride flags will be flying at Market Square.
The proclamation is below.
WHEREAS, in June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City defied an unjust policy and stood up to actively resist the harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+ people were commonly subjected; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria is proud to remember inspiring and brave leaders who fought for justice and dignity, as well as the allies who supported them, and celebrate the current leaders forging ahead; and
WHEREAS, in the spirit of those historic leaders and in continuing the work for equity, the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force provides an inclusive forum where LGBTQIA+ people and allies gather quarterly to network, share ideas, and plan training and community events. With a broad, representative membership, the enduring goal of the Task Force since 2007 is to facilitate safe and inclusive service provision in the City of Alexandria that affirms a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity; and
WHEREAS, today, members of the LGBTQ+ community—especially people of color and transgender people—continue to face discrimination and cruel, persistent efforts to undermine their rights as humans; and
WHEREAS, unlike in some communities, wherein LGBTQIA+ people, particularly transgender youth, are increasingly demeaned, diminished, and targeted by legislation, policy, and action; Alexandria City leaders, employees, and community members support, uplift, and provide inclusive services and a safe, nurturing environment so that LGBTQIA+ people can flourish; and
WHEREAS, for the fifth consecutive year the City of Alexandria achieved the maximum possible score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index, a national assessment by the Human Rights Campaign of LBGTQ+ equality in municipal policies, laws, and services. Alexandria is one of only 130 cities across the U.S. to receive a perfect score; and
WHEREAS, in September 2024, the Alexandria City Council adopted a resolution declaring the City safe haven for LGBTQIA+ people, and committed the City to protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ Alexandrians through its own policies, with its legislative advocacy, and by supporting relevant litigation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria reaffirms its commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ people and strengthening LGBTQIA+ rights because they are human rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALYIA GASKINS, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, do hereby recognize June 2025, as:
“LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH”
In the City of Alexandria and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
