The Board of Selectmen at their June Meeting unanimously adopted the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, The Board of Selectman of the Town of Hampton recognizes and proclaims the month of June 2022 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) “Pride Month” and;

WHEREAS, the Town of Hampton celebrates the diversity of its people and their right to live their lives out loud, free of discrimination, fear, and prejudice; creating a vibrant community in which to live, work, and visit;

WHEREAS, the Town of Hampton is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people in our diverse community, and the Town of Hampton calls upon the people of this municipality to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists and;

WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized internationally as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, when people in the LGBTQ+ community in New York City – at great personal and physical risk to themselves – courageously fought back against the increasing hostility and discrimination they faced from police at the Stonewall Inn, which was a refuge for queer people of color and homeless young people;

WHEREAS, there are many towns and states in which LGBTQ+ individuals are still denied protections for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, employment, health care, housing, lending, public accommodations and other spaces, as well as a tragic spike in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, especially transwomen of color; and, stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice, and;

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ youth who defy sexual or gender norms face bullying and harassment in education and social settings, and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and risk of death by suicide; and;

WHEREAS, while society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ+ equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice; and celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for Hampton’s LGBTQ+ community, as well as the entire LGBTQ+ community, and is an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights;

WHEREAS, the fight for dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people is reflected in the tireless dedication of advocates and allies who strive to make this a more inclusive society and; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Hampton hereby proclaims the month of June 2022 as Pride Month in support of the LGBTQ+ community.