IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in Jackson County, Missouri, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22307, June 15, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson and Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, June is recognized nationally as Pride Month, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights and equal treatment under the law; and,
WHEREAS, the LGBTQ+ community has made significant contributions to the cultural, civic, economic, artistic, educational, and social fabric of Jackson County and the Kansas City metropolitan area; and,
WHEREAS, Kansas City and Jackson County have a longstanding place in LGBTQ+ history, including the publication of The Phoenix: Midwest Homophile Voice in Kansas City from 1966 to 1972, one of the earliest LGBTQ+ publications in the United States and the first of its kind in the Midwest; and,
WHEREAS, Kansas City's Pride movement traces its roots to the 1970s, with the first local Pride Festival held in 1975 and subsequent Pride celebrations helping build visibility, community, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ residents throughout the region; and,
WHEREAS, what began as a single Pride celebration in Kansas City has expanded throughout Jackson County and the Kansas City metropolitan area, including the establishment of community Pride celebrations such as Independence Pride, as well as other events, festivals, educational programs, and celebrations that reflect the growing visibility, engagement, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents across the region; and,
WHEREAS, Jackson County recognizes that the LGBTQ+ community is diverse and intersectional, and that Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American, and other LGBTQ+ people of color have played a critical role in advancing equality, culture, advocacy, and community throughout Jackson County and the Kansas City region; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ residents, families, advocates, educators, healthcare providers, faith leaders, artists, public servants, and community organizations continue to strengthen Jackson County through their leadership, service, and contributions to civic life; and,
WHEREAS, Pride Month serves as both a celebration of progress achieved and a reaffirmation of the ongoing commitment to dignity, equality, safety, opportunity, and respect for all residents regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby recognizes June 2026 as Pride Month in Jackson County, Missouri; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature honors the generations of LGBTQ+ residents, advocates, organizations, and allies whose courage, resilience, and leadership have strengthened our community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature encourages continued efforts to foster welcoming communities in which ALL residents are treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22307 of June 15, 2026, was duly passed on ___________________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ____________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature