File #: RS2021-983   
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 5/24/2021 In control: Metropolitan Council
On agenda: 6/1/2021 Final action: 6/1/2021
Title: A resolution recognizing Tuesday, June 1 to Wednesday, June, 30, 2021 as the "Nashville Pride Month", celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities and their enormous contributions to the quality of life in Nashville and Davidson County, and further recognizing the 33rd anniversary of the first Nashville Pride event.
Sponsors: Zach Young, Brett Withers, Emily Benedict, Russ Bradford, Nancy VanReece, Bob Mendes, Burkley Allen, Kyonzte Toombs, Delishia Porterfield, Tom Cash, Thom Druffel, Erin Evans, Jennifer Gamble, Larry Hagar, Jonathan Hall, Tonya Hancock, Gloria Hausser, Angie Henderson, Sharon Hurt, Courtney Johnston, Antoinette Lee, Kathleen Murphy, Bob Nash, Freddie OConnell, Sean Parker, Russ Pulley, Kevin Rhoten, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Dave Rosenberg, John Rutherford, Sandra Sepulveda, Colby Sledge, Joy Styles, Zulfat Suara, Jeff Syracuse, Brandon Taylor, Tanaka Vercher

Title

A resolution recognizing Tuesday, June 1 to Wednesday, June, 30, 2021 as the “Nashville Pride Month”, celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities and their enormous contributions to the quality of life in Nashville and Davidson County, and further recognizing the 33rd anniversary of the first Nashville Pride event.

Body

WHEREAS, Our Pride Encompasses Nashville (Nashville Pride) has been a strong advocate and supporter of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities throughout Middle Tennessee and is celebrating Nashville Pride in the city of Nashville; and

WHEREAS, the city of Nashville is honored to welcome members of the LGBTQ community and their allies to celebrate a very special and important event honoring the diversity, inclusion, and history of the pride and gay rights movement; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Pride celebration and movement continues to grow and celebrates inclusion as a necessary ingredient to making Nashville and the United States truly diverse. Nashville Pride has grown immensely and is now one of the largest public weekend festivals in Middle Tennessee, reminding us to embrace what makes each individual unique and to use those qualities to change the world for the better; and

WHEREAS, the Pride movement has an auspicious history in the U.S. and Nashville. Early on the morning of Saturday, June 28th, 1969, LGBTQ persons rioted following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar at 43 Christopher Street in New York City. In Nashville, the first pride parade took place in 1988, not with a riot but as a positive stance against discrimination and violence toward LGBTQ people. The parade promoted self-affirmation, dignity, equal rights, and increased the visibility of LGBTQ persons as a social group to build community; and

WHEREAS, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the official repeal of the United States military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. On September 20, 2011, the repeal of this policy allowed lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans to serve openly in the armed forces. However, equality for transgender service personnel unfortunately continues to be debated today; and 

WHEREAS, this year also marks the 33rd consecutive Pride event in Nashville. This year’s Nashville Pride Festival will be held September 18th and 19th, 2021 at Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park; and

WHEREAS, the city of Nashville would like to thank the Nashville Pride Board of Directors, Working Groups, Sponsors and all of the volunteers for their continued support and commitment to the mission of Nashville Pride over the past 33 years.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Tuesday, June 1 to Wednesday, June, 30, 2021 to be “Nashville Pride Month” in Nashville, celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities and their enormous contributions to the quality of life in the City of Nashville.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Nashville Pride Board of Directors.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.