CLEARLAKE — A proclamation designating the first “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month” in the city of Clearlake was read into record Thursday during the Clearlake City Council meeting.
The proclamation was presented by Mayor Joey Luiz, the city”s first openly-gay, elected representative and the youngest person to serve as Clearlake”s mayor.
“I think it is appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our nation, there is not a better time to focus the light on the issues LGBT, Clearlakeians and Americans have faced within what I hope is the last great civil rights movement in this great nation,” Luiz said.
He presented the proclamation to Harold Riley, founder of the Lake County chapter of the Stonewall Democratic Club, who said, “I am humble and proud to be here today. It”s a day I thought would never come in my lifetime. This truly belongs to all the people of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Thank you all for coming out to share this moment with me ? an historical moment for all I can see.”
Luiz said, “Pride is not a parade of exhibitionists, tough women on Harley Davidsons, leather flags and balloons. Pride to me is many things as a gay American.”
Luiz described the struggles of the LGBT community and a movement toward acceptance and tolerance that began more than a decade before he was born. He cited the first gay official elected in San Francisco and about the first “Gay In” and how it grew to be known as “Gay Freedom Day.” The movement was known as “Pride” with celebrations taking place worldwide.
Luiz said the movement of the LGBT community changed in its focus and caliber and LGBT Americans are not just confined to small neighborhoods in large urban areas searching for acceptance from the predominately heterosexual population. “We are open and accepted members of communities of all sizes,” he said. “We span all spectrums in race, profession and socioeconomic boundaries.
Luiz said with all this progress there is still much to accomplish to make sure no LGBT is inhibited by government, society or even within their own personal perception of themselves.
Luiz said Pride means making sure LGBT teens are not more likely to commit suicide and the opportunity for same-sex couples to attend social events and enjoy the freedom that they have sacrificed and fought for. He said Pride to him is eliminating the likelihood of drug addiction among LGBT adolescents and ending bullying and workplace discrimination.
He said Pride is the story of a 15-year-old boy who was once afraid to admit who he was for fear of rejection. “That boy became the first gay person elected in his hometown and the youngest mayor the city has ever had. That boy, in the presence of family, friends and community, tonight has the honor of proclaiming the first official Pride month in the history of this city.”
