In recognition of Pride Month and honoring the diverse contribution of the LGBTQ+ communities in the Ojai Valley and beyond, Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix issued a Pride Month Proclamation on behalf of the City at its Tuesday evening City Council meeting.

Local musician and transgender activist Michelle Rosenblum was joined by long-time Ojai residents Helen Allen and Lynne Doherty, two early voices for the local LGBTQ+ community. They offered a visual history of Ojai Pride; starting with the early Pride walks nearly 30 years ago and moving to a wide range of outreach, education, awareness, advocacy, and community-building work.

Mayor Stix followed with the Proclamation recognizing the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 as a catalyst for LGBTQ+ rights, and the City’s commitment to protecting these rights, celebrating diversity, supporting fairness, and fighting discrimination.

The 2022 Ojai Pride Walk will take place on June 26, 2022, meeting at 11 a.m. at the Libbey Park fountain. Rosenblum encourages all to join the casual, 30-minute walk to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and the vibrant Ojai Valley community.

Proclamation
WHEREAS, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities form an integral part of the vibrant culture of Ojai; and

WHEREAS, the diverse LGBTQ community continues to contribute to the widespread academic, economic, artistic and social spheres within the Ojai Valley and beyond, and

WHEREAS, June is designated as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in June 1969 and are recognized as the catalyst of the LBGTQ rights movement; and

WHEREAS, being “out” and visible is one of the most important actions that members of the LGBTQ community can engage in to provide positive role models and to support those who may be struggling with their sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, the City of Ojai is committed to protecting the civil rights of all its citizens, as well as celebrating diversity, supporting fairness, fighting discrimination, and protecting the most vulnerable LGBTQ members among us: our youth, seniors and the homeless.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Betsy Stix, Mayor of the City of Ojai, and on behalf of the Ojai City Council, do recognize June 2022 as
Pride Month

in Ojai, and encourage all residents to recognize the enduring efforts and ongoing contributions of the LGBTQ communities in Ojai and nationwide.