An Open Letter from Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community facilitated by the Lavender Democrats OC

June 24, 2023

To: Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Donald Wagner Vice Chair Andrew Do, Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento

We, the LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ Allied signers of this letter, write to condemn the June 6 vote in which Chair Donald Wagner, Vice Chair Andrew Do and Supervisor Doug Chaffee voted to mark Pride Month by passing an anti-LGBTQ+ policy which prevents the flying of the Pride Flag over county buildings. 

We commend Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento for opposing this ill-advised and destructive policy, as well as for their steadfast support of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The Pride movement that started with the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 and that is embodied in the Pride Flag is both a celebration of the progress LGBTQ+ people have made and our continuing demand for full and equal inclusion in society. That three of you would specifically move against those demands in the middle of Pride month is indicative of the historic discrimination toward LGBTQ+ people that is still pervasive at all levels of Orange County government. 

We dedicate ourselves not only to reversing your new anti-Pride Flag policy but to building a broader, bipartisan and unassailable coalition that will fight for an Orange County that is just towards all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 

In the face of your recent action, we remain proud, not cowed. We know that history and justice are on our side. Thus we extend to each of you the opportunity to work with the LGBTQ+ people, Allies, leaders and organizations that have signed this letter. 

With resolve and determination,