Dear Chairwoman Toso and Members of the Board,

We, the undersigned community members of Mariposa County, respectfully request that the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors adopt a proclamation designating June as “Mariposa Pride Month” and June 28th as “Pride Day” which commemorate the legalization of gay marriage nationally.

This proclamation would recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, their friends, and their families in our county, and affirm Mariposa’s commitment to being a community where all residents feel safe, respected, and included. June of this year will mark the 11th anniversary of the legalization of Gay marriage across the country. This is an issue that matters deeply to your constituents, and recognition of Pride Month would demonstrate a commitment to supporting Mariposans no matter their background.

Across rural communities like ours, research shows that fostering inclusion and belonging is strongly connected with improved mental health outcomes for youth and adults alike. Recognizing Pride locally would be a meaningful step toward supporting the well-being of all Mariposa County residents. 

A proclamation would also recognize the contributions and dedication of LGBTQ+ people and organizations in Mariposa who have improved our community. One example, Mariposa Pride, has worked to create positive, family-friendly events that bring residents together, strengthen community connections, contribute to the vitality of our county, and support residents who do not always feel like they belong.

This proclamation would affirm the value of all residents, support youth and mental health, recognize local community efforts, and encourage a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you for your consideration and your service to Mariposa County.