Democrat-backed Leon commission only Panhandle county to recognize Pride Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Leon County Commission approved a proclamation on Tuesday to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride month in Florida’s capital county.

Florida’s Voice confirmed that the all-Democrat commission is the only Panhandle county to have adopted such a resolution this year, west of Jefferson County.

Commission Chairman Nick Maddox sponsored the recognition and read it aloud during the meeting, with the support of the local LGBTQ community by his side.

“And whereas, Leon County celebrates and honors its diverse LGBTQ+ community that includes people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions and professions,” Maddox read.

According to the county commission, this proclamation delivered the needed “recognition and celebration” of LGBTQ+ Americans to learn how they have “contributed to the history, culture and social fabric of this nation and of Leon County.”

Maddox also signaled in the recognition that the work is not yet done. The resolution urges residents and leaders to do everything they can to “acknowledge those who continue to advocate for legal and social equity.”

After the proclamation was read, Maddox presented the document to two members of the Leon County LGBTQ community.

“Pride is a time to celebrate,” the activist said. “It’s a time to be proud and it’s a time to live authentically.”

“It has always mattered. But this year, Pride matters so much more,” she stated in remembrance of the recent anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.

Additionally, the LGBTQ activist mentioned “we have seen a rising wave of hatred and attacks throughout this year,” in reference to some of the perceived-to-be anti-LGBTQ policies put in place by the Florida Legislature.

Laws have been implemented under Republican control, such as banning education on sexual orientation and identity for PreK-8 students as well as requiring men and women to use the bathroom of their biological sex in certain facilities.

“The LGBTQ community will not be erased. We will not hide. We are committed,” she said, as the recognition came to an end.