Photo Credit: YouTube
(SAN RAMON, CA.) – Honoring the city’s diverse community, San Ramon leaders officially designated June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a formal proclamation at the June 9 City Council meeting.
Chapter President of PFLAG Danville-San Ramon Valley Anuradha Gupta accepted the honor and gave a heartfelt speech thanking the council for the recognition. “[This proclamation] reminds us that every person, regardless of who they are or who they love, deserves to live openly and authentically without fear and are contributing, important, precious members of our community.”
Video Credit: YouTube
Gupta presented the council with alarming statistics, framing the proclamation as a “lifesaving” commitment to inclusivity.
“The Pride Proclamation reminds us not to slide back in the darkness which can render a nation or a city from welcoming to unsafe. That inclusivity from even one adult can reduce the probability of an LGBTQ youth attempting suicide by 40 percent,” she said.
Gupta used the proclamation to send a clear message to the LGBTQ+ community: “You belong here in San Ramon. You are not alone. You are valued. We will keep showing up for you.” After thanking the council, she concluded, “somewhere, someone who knows you issued this proclamation feels safe tonight.”
Vice Mayor Marisol Rubio thanked Gupta for her work, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. “This is about respecting people's authenticity, who they are as they come,” Rubio said. “I will always do my best to make everyone feel seen, heard, and accepted.”
Councilman Richard Adler, who attended the San Ramon Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 1 alongside Vice Mayor Rubio, praised the gathering. “It was a good event to have here in San Ramon,” he said. “There was a very positive atmosphere, and I'm glad that’s what San Ramon is and we will hopefully continue to be.”
Vice Mayor Rubio was excited to see such a great turnout, especially after the city's social media posts promising to make it a fun event for families.
Photo Credit: PFLAG SRV Facebook
For San Ramon leadership, the “Everyone is Welcome” message on the city's marquee isn't just for show.
Both Councilman Sridhar Verose and Mayor Mark Armstrong emphasized that the city's welcoming public signs represent true community values.
Councilman Verose noted that regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, “you belong here and we care for you and as a community we all live here together with respect and dignity.” Mayor Armstrong agreed and added that “it’s a heartfelt slogan. It's not just words that we put out there, but that's the way we are. That's who we are as a city of San Ramon.”
San Ramon residents had plenty of praise to share online. Lauren Kandel thanked the city for “continuing to be so inclusive,” and Sarah Mann added that she’s “proud to live in San Ramon and to celebrate love. Keep it up!” Others brought the celebration right to their front doors, with Rena Waterson posting, “hung my flag today! Well done San Ramon!”
Following the meeting, PFLAG Danville-San Ramon Valley thanked the city council for the official recognition.
“We were honored to receive the Pride Proclamation from San Ramon City Council,” the organization said. This gesture “affirmed its commitment to making San Ramon a place where everyone is welcome and it acknowledged that it is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual orientation and gender identities of its residents who contribute to the vibrant character of the City.”
For those interested in learning more about PFLAG please visit their website at: https://www.srvpflag.org/
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at kathleen.p@lead4earth.org or comment below.
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