Regular Session 2017-2018 Senate Resolution 0390 P.N. 1884

PRINTER'S NO. 1884

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

No.

390

Session of

2018

INTRODUCED BY STREET, FONTANA, DINNIMAN, FARNESE, BROWNE,

HUGHES, COSTA, YUDICHAK, BARTOLOTTA AND BREWSTER,

JUNE 14, 2018

REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, JUNE 14, 2018

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the month of June 2018 as "LGBT Pride Month" in

Pennsylvania in celebration of LGBT accomplishments and

contributions to this Commonwealth and making a strong

recommitment to fight for LGBT equality.

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth was founded on the principles of

fairness and tolerance; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians have repeatedly shown a strong belief

in the principles of fairness and tolerance with their service

defending their principles in wars and in debates,

demonstrations and countless other acts of democracy; and

WHEREAS, Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)

Pennsylvanians and their allies have played a significant role

in this Commonwealth's economic, cultural, spiritual and

political development while working tirelessly to maintain and

promote their culture and history; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has been the site of many pivotal

moments in LGBT history and has been the location of activism

vital to the growing tolerance and acceptance of the LGBT

community; and

WHEREAS, In May 1965, borrowing a strategy made famous by the

African-American civil rights movement of the time, a group of

gender-variant individuals of color organized a sit-in to

protest discrimination toward LGBT individuals at Dewey's

restaurant lunch counter in Philadelphia, recognized as one of

the first demonstrations launched with the goal of protecting

the dignity of LGBT people; and

WHEREAS, The "Annual Reminders" protests held in front of the

Liberty Bell, which occurred every Independence Day between 1965

and 1969, drew national attention to the LGBT community's

struggle for liberty and equality; and

WHEREAS, Dewey's restaurant lunch counter and "Annual

Reminders" demonstrations, in conjunction with other activities

across the United States, greatly contributed toward the growing

acceptance and inclusion of LGBT Americans into their respective

communities; and

WHEREAS, The State government has traditionally been on the

forefront of LGBT recognition, regardless of which political

party was in control; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Milton Shapp, former Governor of

Pennsylvania, founded the Council for Sexual Minorities, which

was the first governmental body in the nation to examine the

needs and issues of the LGBT community; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Governor Shapp issued the first Statewide

executive order in the nation recognizing LGBT equality; and

WHEREAS, Governor Shapp's successor, the Honorable Richard

Thornburgh, became the first Republican in the nation to issue a

Statewide proclamation recognizing LGBT equality in 1979; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth remains committed to promoting

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LGBT inclusion and quality of life, as the home of the oldest

continually published magazine devoted to LGBT issues, the

Philadelphia Gay News, and the nation's second most affordable

LGBT elder housing complex, the John C. Anderson Apartments; and

WHEREAS, The month of June is recognized worldwide as "LGBT

Pride Month," with this month being chosen to commemorate the

Stonewall riots in New York City, which were considered to be

the turning point in the fight for LGBT equality across the

world; and

WHEREAS, "LGBT Pride Month" highlights the work, struggles,

accomplishments and challenges of LGBT people in this

Commonwealth and beyond; and

WHEREAS, In June 1988, a group of Philadelphia residents

organized a spontaneous parade from the Gayborhood to a rally in

Love Park sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Task Force, leading

to the establishment of an annual LGBT pride parade and festival

coordinated by Philly Pride Presents which marks its 30th

anniversary at this year's PrideDay celebration on June 10; and

WHEREAS, This celebration of diversity fits perfectly within

the long and unique story of this Commonwealth's constant quest

for equal treatment of all of its residents; and

WHEREAS, "LGBT Pride Month" celebrations contribute to a

welcoming atmosphere and add greatly to the social and economic

health and well-being of this Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of June 2018 as

"LGBT Pride Month" in Pennsylvania in celebration of LGBT

accomplishments and contributions to this Commonwealth and make

a strong recommitment to fight for LGBT equality.

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