June is once again officially LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in the city of Galesburg.
Council members approved of the resolution to designate June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month at Monday’s City Council meeting. The resolution passed 6-1, with Third Ward Alderman Evan Miller casting the lone no vote.
The nationwide month recognizes the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning, and Plus (LGBTQ+) community.
The resolution was originally a part of the consent agenda, but at the request of citizen Darla Krejci, was amended to a separate agenda item. She was one of six citizens who urged the Council to support the resolution during public comment.
“There was a suggestion during public comment to split out the Pride Month resolution from the consent agenda, and the opportunity to have it read aloud in full is a really good point,” said Sixth Ward Council member Sarah Davis.
Davis later accepted Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman’s invitation to read the LGBTQIA+ Pride Month resolution, saying, “I would be honored, and I thank you for the opportunity.”
The resolution concludes:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Galesburg City Council on this 17th day of June, 2024, that the Council recognizes and supports the month of June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning, and Plus (LGBTQ+) “Pride Month;” and we urge all residents to celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance – during this month and every month.
The city also presented a proclamation observing June as Pride Month and in 2022 and 2023.
The LGBTQIA Pride Flag was flown at City Hall for three years, however it will not fly this year. Aldermen last November adopted a new policy that restricts the flags that can fly on city property to the American, Illinois, and some military flags.
