In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Pride flags are up at three city locations: Goleta City Hall, the Goleta Community Center and the Goleta Valley Library. On June 1, Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, and Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger were among those that had the honor of being present at the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall. All three said it was a meaningful moment to be a part of.
Mayor Perotte said, “I am proud to be here today to celebrate and to send a message to our residents and everyone who visits Goleta that we are an inclusive city. We are a city that loves and values the LGBTQ+ community, and we are a city that knows we are stronger when we stand together and when we celebrate together.”
Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards said, “The City of Goleta is proud to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Community. And as a gay man who represents this City, I am especially proud to be standing with you today to raise this flag at City Hall. As you know there are renewed efforts to: ban books displaying positive depictions of LGBTQ+ individuals; to eliminate and control our healthcare choices; to undermine and erode rights grounded in privacy, including the right of same-sex couples to marry and engage in consensual same-sex relationships; and to denigrate drag performances and other Constitutionally-protected actions. Here locally in Santa Barbara County there have been recent protests at private establishments against drag queens reading to children and hateful attacks such as the burning of Pride flags. More than ever we need to speak up against assaults on our community, and it is important that the City take a stand in support of our LGBTQ residents and against hate. By raising this Pride flag we are letting our community know that Goleta is a City where LGBTQ people are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.”
Flickinger said, “At this moment, when elected officials are being asked to take a stand for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, the City of Goleta is renewing its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, not only during Pride season, but every day. Pacific Pride Foundation is proud to be a partner in this work.”
We hope you will join us at the June 6 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. for the reading of the official proclamation recognizing June 2023 LGBTQ and Pride Month in the City of Goleta.
LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have fought for equal treatment, dignity, and respect, and remain determined to pursue full equality, respect, and inclusion for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Despite being marginalized throughout the history of the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to celebrate their identities, love, and contributions in various expressions of Pride. The City Council encourages the Goleta community to join in celebration and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Assistant City Manager Kristy Schmidt, Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger, City Board and Commission members and staff at Goleta City Hall. (Not in order)
Pride Flag at Goleta Valley Library
Pride Flag at Goleta Community Center