Bulletin photo by Bryan Oller

Also, at City Council’s June 20 meeting, Councilor Natalie Johnson read Proclamation No. 0423 declaring June 2023 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Pride Month. According to the proclamation, June was designated Pride Month to honor the Stonewall Riots of June 1969.

“During LGBTQI+ Pride Month, we reflect on the progress we have made as a city in the fight for justice, inclusion and equality while reaffirming our commitment to do more to support LGBTQI+ rights,” Johnson said.

“On Nov. 19, 2022, we experienced a devastating attack by a gunman wielding a long rifle at Club Q, an LGBTQI+ nightclub, in Colorado Springs. Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence.

“Today and every day, we stand with every LGBTQI+ person in the ongoing struggle against intolerance, discrimination and injustice. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping LGBTQI+ people live free from violence.”

City Council unanimously approved the proclamation.