REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of June 2026 as Pride Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Pride Month traces its origins to June 1969, when protesters stood against police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, over six days. The Stonewall Uprising sparked a pivotal movement for LGBTQIA+ rights and helped change the course of history in the United States.
The first Pride marches were held in June 1970 to mark the anniversary of Stonewall and advocate for equal rights. In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month,” and President Barack Obama later expanded the recognition to “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month,” honoring the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate generations of LGBTQIA+ people who have fought to live openly and authentically, while also recognizing the continued work needed to ensure freedom from discrimination.
In June 2017, the City of Santa Clara flew the Pride rainbow flag for the first time in City history. In May 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 19-8705 (Attachment 2), authorizing the annual display of the Pride rainbow flag during the month of June.
DISCUSSION
At the June 9, 2026, City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Santa Clara.
Dr. Ken Yeager, Executive Director of the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee (BAYMEC) Community Foundation and an overseer of the LGBTQ+ local history project Queer Silicon Valley will be in attendance to receive the Proclamation.
The BAYMEC Community Foundation, is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to education, services, and issues affecting the local LGBTQ community and the creation of a more equal future for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) community in Silicon Valley and neighboring regions.
Through a balanced approach of equitable programs, the BAYMEC Community Foundation (BCF) strives to engage in community discussion on LGBTQ inclusion and equal rights, ensure the equal access of LGBTQ-supportive safety-net services, chronicle local LGBTQ history and culture, and foster the next generation of LGBTQ leaders.
The documentary “Queer Silicon Valley,” is a film that skillfully memorializes the work of a generation of activists who were all part of the LGBTQ+ movement in San Jose and Silicon Valley, from the 1970s to now. Spanning almost 50 years, this groundbreaking documentary showcases 22 history-making activists, as they recount struggles and discrimination, they endured to ultimately build a local society that was accepting and inclusive. The film features many of the people who helped shape the vibrant and cohesive queer culture that exists today.
On June 3, 2026, the City of Santa Clara will host the 10th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in the Santa Clara City Hall Quad Area. The flag will fly through the month as part of the City’s celebration of Pride Month.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of June 2026 as Pride Month