IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, cultural, and community organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened Jackson County, Missouri and the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22309, June 15, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson and Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ advocacy and community organizations have played a vital role in advancing equality, opportunity, visibility, education, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout Jackson County; and,
WHEREAS, through advocacy, education, community organizing, leadership development, cultural programming, youth engagement, public outreach, and mutual aid, these organizations have helped foster communities that are more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, organizations including KC Pride, Our Spot KC, the Kansas City Center for Inclusion, PFLAG Kansas City, PROMO, BlaqOut, the Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC), Heartland Men's Chorus, and the Mid America Freedom Band have made significant contributions to the civic, cultural, educational, and social fabric of Jackson County through their leadership, service, and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community; and,
WHEREAS, these organizations have been built and sustained through the dedication of founders, board members, directors, staff, volunteers, educators, artists, advocates, and community leaders whose efforts have expanded opportunity, fostered belonging, and strengthened the region; and,
WHEREAS, the work of LGBTQ+ advocacy and community organizations continues to provide vital support, resources, education, cultural enrichment, leadership opportunities, and community connection for residents throughout Jackson County; and,
WHEREAS, tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ residents call Jackson County home and contribute every day to the civic, economic, cultural, educational, and social life of our community; and,
WHEREAS, much of the progress achieved for LGBTQ+ residents in Jackson County has been made possible through the dedication, perseverance, and service of community organizations and the individuals who have devoted countless hours to advocacy, education, outreach, cultural enrichment, mutual aid, and community building; and,
WHEREAS, these organizations represent the collective efforts of generations of leaders, volunteers, advocates, educators, artists, and community members whose commitment has helped create a more welcoming, affirming, and inclusive community for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, at a time when many LGBTQ+ residents, particularly transgender and gender-diverse individuals, face increasing uncertainty regarding access to healthcare, legal protections, and equal treatment, these community organizations continue to serve as essential sources of advocacy, support, education, and connection; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby honors the lasting contributions of LGBTQ+ community organizations whose work has strengthened Jackson County and improved the lives of countless residents; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature acknowledges the essential role these
organizations play in fostering community, providing support, promoting civic engagement, preserving culture and history, and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ residents to live openly and authentically within Jackson County; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature expresses its gratitude for the tireless efforts of these organizations and affirms that their work has left an enduring and positive impact on Jackson County, helping ensure that current and future generations may live, work, and thrive in a community where all people are treated with dignity, respect, and belonging.
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. 22309 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