County Board to Recognize Pride Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 06, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board
At tonight’s County Board meeting, the Dane County Board will recognize two special resolutions to designate June as Pride Month and June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to recognize and celebrate the diversity, impact, and resilience of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community.
Earlier this week, Supervisors, and community leaders recognized pride month in a Pride flag raising at the City-County Building.
“It is great to see the Pride flag flying at the City-County Building, as well as the special recognition at tonight’s County Board meeting. The LGBTQI+ community has much to celebrate, and at the same time, continues to face threats and violence. Let this be a time to celebrate, but also to continue to fight for equality in our community and worldwide,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles.
The resolution on the County Board’s agenda calls for June 2024 to be recognized as Pride Month across Dane County and to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community.
County Board Supervisor Chuck Erickson (District 23) remarked: “Pride month is a month to celebrate our accomplishments as well as to persevere in the fight for an even more equitable future. Our community has been moving toward acceptance for many years and I am proud to have been a leader in that change. Still this is a time of jeopardy. Nationwide attacks on gay rights are on the rise. We are not doing enough for gay, trans and intersex kids, and we're not doing enough to take care of the aging gay population.”
Supervisor Rick Rose (District 16) said about Pride month, “Pride Month isn’t just about the meaning of the rainbow, our progressive flag and lots of glitter and sequins (though those are pretty awesome too). It's a chance to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community's fight for equality and to thank the allies who have been there every step of the way. Allies are those who stand up for our rights and help create a more inclusive world, even if they don't identify as queer themselves. Their support has been crucial in achieving major milestones including nationwide marriage equality which we celebrate 9 years of on June 26. So this Pride Month, let's raise a glass (or a fist pump) to our allies! Their solidarity paves the way for a brighter inclusive future for everyone.”
Supervisor April Kigeya (District 15) indicated that “this month highlights the progress we've made as a nation, a state, and as a county in embracing and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. I'm excited to celebrate the significant contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made in rendering Dane County a more diverse and welcoming place for all.”
Supervisor Randy Udell (District 33) said, "from my own experience as a gay man, I know firsthand the importance of fostering a welcoming, inclusive community. Dane County has consistently paved the way in our state in celebrating diversity and events such as Pride Month."
The Board will also recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Month at tonight’s meeting. The month is mean to shed light on elder abuse and neglect faced by older adults.
Of the day of awareness, Supervisor Maureen McCarville (District 22) said, "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is dedicated to exploring the social, cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors contributing to the neglect and mistreatment of older adults within the eldercare system. As aging is a universal experience, it is crucial to advocate for improved care for the elderly community."
The Board meeting starts at 7:00pm. Information to register to attend or speak at the hybrid meeting can be found on the top of the agenda: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1141078&GUID=5DE60BBA-43DE-47C4-A995-27E87E5CC1AA