News
Saugatuck Township Board Adopts Proclamation Designating June as Pride Month
The Saugatuck Township Board adopted the proclamation during its May 13 meeting
The Saugatuck Township Board has adopted a proclamation designating June as Pride Month in the Township, encouraging residents to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality the LGBTQ+ community faces and to celebrate the contributions of the LBGTQ+ community in the Township.
“Saugatuck Township has long embraced the values of diversity and inclusion,” said Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. He attended Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s private Pride Month Reception at her home with fellow Pride leaders in Michigan on June 1. “With this proclamation, the Saugatuck Township Board reaffirms our commitment to ensure that every resident is treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
The Township’s Pride Month designation has been upheld annually by the Saugatuck Township Board since 2019. This year, the Township Board adopted the proclamation during its May 13 meeting. The proclamation reads: “Saugatuck Township supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination, and all people, regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical challenges have the right to be treated on the basis of their intrinsic value as human beings.
“In support of the Saugatuck Township’s commitment to its nondiscrimination ordinance, Saugatuck Township accepts and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a more vibrant community. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities contribute to the cultural, civic and economic success of Saugatuck Township, and while we, as a society at large, are slowly embracing new definitions of sexuality and gender, we must also acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice.”
As an openly gay elected official, Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich added: “I am proud that the Saugatuck Township Board has continued this tradition to recognize Pride Month. More importantly, I hope this proclamation encourages meaningful conversations about equality, understanding, and respect.”
Click here to view proclamation
