Recognizing the achievements of Philly Pride Presents - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered Pride Parade and Festival as they continue their mission of pro-active education to create an atmosphere of sensitivity and awareness that will lead to a greater acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community of Philadelphia and proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Pride Month in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Pride Month throughout the United States, and is set aside for the celebration of diversity and recognition of achievement of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangendered community; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, this annual celebration of individual freedom and acknowledgement of the struggle for broad equal rights most especially in the month of June but every day of the year as well; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia City Council congratulates and honors community activists David Acosta & Nurit Shein as they preside as the Grand Marshals of the Parade for their dedication to the City of Philadelphia and to former Mayor Ed Rendell for being chosen as the “Friend of Pride.”

WHEREAS, At a time when we recognize and respect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered community in this celebration of annual achievement while looking forward to a future of even greater accomplishments, we ask our fellow citizens to take the time to become more aware of the significant accomplishments of this vital community; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community will stage a parade and festival on June 9, 2002 to celebrate unity and pride through diversity; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has upheld the principles of equality in employment, public accommodations and housing through the adoption of a Fair Practices Ordinance which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, The greatness of Philadelphia, the site of one of the first protests for Lesbian & Gay equality July 4, 1965 outside Independence Hall, can only be realized through full and equal inclusion of every citizen, worker, resident and visitor, regardless of sexual orientation. The City of Philadelphia has shown that it values each of its citizen, workers, residents and visitors of all sexual orientations; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That June is Proclaimed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Month in Philadelphia and June 9, 2002 proclaimed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Pride Day in Philadelphia

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Board of Directors of Philly Pride Presents, as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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