LGBT+ Employee Resource Group

WHEREAS, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement, started 47 years ago, on June 11th, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City stood up to the police harassment that had become commonplace for members of the LGBT community; and

WHEREAS, on June 11, 1999, President Clinton issued a proclamation designating June as LGBT Pride Month; and

WHEREAS, each June LGBT persons come together to recommit to achieving equality; and

WHEREAS, LGBT persons contribute immensely to our society in areas of science, education, religion, government and sports; and

WHEREAS, a group of Arlington County employees will establish a new LGBT+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) to promote a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and where everyone can be their authentic selves in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County has a long-standing commitment to equality and diversity; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County LGBT Employees make important and lasting contributions to Arlington County; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County, Virginia, commends the new LGBT+ ERG for their dedication to the promotion of equality, non-discrimination, fairness and justice for all employees regardless of sex, orientation or gender identity;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 2016, as

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH

in Arlington County, Virginia, and call this observance to the attention of all Arlington County employees to celebrate the contributions and significance of the LGBT employees and applaud LGBT Pride.