Mayor Wilson proclaims June and July 2026 to be Pride Summer in Portland

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In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

Whereas, the City of Portland remains committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and mutual respect as essential elements of a healthy, thriving, and welcoming community; and

Whereas, the long and ongoing struggle of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQIA2S+) communities for dignity, visibility, safety, and equal rights continues to inspire all those who work to end discrimination and oppression; and

Whereas, it is vital to honor the history of LGBTQIA2S+ movements and to center the voices and leadership of those most marginalized, especially transgender women of color including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, whose activism, mutual aid, and resistance to police violence surrounding Stonewall helpedignite a global movement for queer and trans liberation; and

Whereas, Portland has hosted Pride celebrations since 1971 and Pride marches since 1970, and 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Portland and around the world; and

Whereas, LGBTQIA2S+ Portlanders contribute every day to the civic, cultural, artistic, educational, economic, and public life of our city as artists, advocates, educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, public servants, neighbors, caregivers, and community leaders; and

Whereas, Portland continues to be home to a vibrant network of LGBTQIA2S+ organizations, community spaces, mutual aid networks, and service providers that support youth, elders, families, and individuals through advocacy, housing support, health services, arts and culture, and community connection; and

Whereas, despite progress toward equality and inclusion, LGBTQIA2S+ people continue to experience discrimination, violence, housing instability, barriers to healthcare, and targeted political attacks, particularly transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and Black, Indigenous, and other LGBTQIA2S+ people of color; and

Whereas, communities across the nation continue to see efforts to restrict gender-affirming healthcare, censor LGBTQIA2S+ stories and history, limit participation in public life, and undermine the civil rights and dignity of LGBTQIA2S+ people; and

Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes that safety, belonging, and liberation require ongoing action and investment, and remains committed to advancing policies, services, and partnerships that affirm and support LGBTQIA2S+ residents, employees, and visitors; and

Whereas, in the face of adversity, LGBTQIA2S+ communities continue to demonstrate resilience, joy, creativity, solidarity, and care through organizing, celebration, public art, storytelling, advocacy, and mutual aid that strengthen the entire city; and

Whereas, Pride is both a celebration and a call to action - honoring the generations who fought for equality while recommitting ourselves to building a future where all people can live openly, safely, and authentically.

Now, therefore, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim June and July 2026 to be Portland Pride Summer in Portland and encourage all residents to honor, celebrate, and support the history, achievements, resilience, and vibrant future of LGBTQIA2S+ communities.