Erie Mayor Joe Schember Issues Proclamation Recognizing LGBTQ History Month

Erie City Mayor Joe Schember has issued a proclamation recognizing LGBTQ History Month. LGBTQ History Month is observed every October.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, the City of Erie celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month as a public month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements;

WHEREAS, this movement was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. LGBTQ+ History Month provides role models, builds community and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community;

WHEREAS, today, LGBTQ+ History Month stands as a testament to the enduring efforts of Rodney Wilson and countless others who contributed to this initiative. This is a time for Reflection, Education, and Celebration of LGBTQ+ history and achievements, reminding us of the diverse narratives that enrich our collective history;

WHEREAS, Erie has a long history of LGBTQ+ culture and activism. To help preserve that history, Aging with Pride, an organization for older LGBTQ+ individuals, is working on an Erie Archives Project in collaboration with Penn State Behrend;

WHEREAS, there is already a small archive of historical LGBTQ+ materials to add to the collection, and plans are underway to develop a more comprehensive "community archive" that will not only capture our past, but relay what is happening now to future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph V. Schember, Mayor of the City of Erie, hereby proclaim the month of October 2024 as LGBTQ+ History Month in the City of Erie. I invite all residents and groups to participate in this on-going archives project and continue to respect and support Erie's LGBTQ+ community to preserve our local LGBTQ+ history for the future.