Governor Tom Wolf's proclamation encouraging all Pennsylvanians to recognize the need for increased advocacy and improved public policy as we continue to work toward true liberty and justice for all. On display in the Commons with Acceptance Journeys Pittsburgh through November 1.
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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION
LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH
October 2019
WHEREAS, LGBTQ individuals and communities have played significant roles in Pennsylvania's economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development while working tirelessly to maintain and promote their cultures and histories; and
WHEREAS, this year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, led by Marhsa P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, considered to be the beginning of the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement; and
WHEREAS, it is important to highlight role models from Pennsylvania's LGBTQ communities, including our Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, who is one of our nation's highest-ranking openly trans identified public officials; and
WHEREAS, many serious issues, such as homelessness, workplace discrimination, bullying, family rejection, substance abuse, and access to healthcare, affect LGBTQ communites at higher rates than other populations; and
WHEREAS, we must continue to fight for equality, dignity, and protections from discrimination for all individuals in our communities, places of work, and schools across the commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, established in August of 2018, is the first such commission formed to help coordinate and drive state-wide equality efforts; and
WEHEAS, October 11th is National Coming Out Day, October 14 is the anniversary of the first march on Washington by LGBTQ people in 1979, and October 17 is Spirit Day, on which people wear purple in support of LGBTQ youth.
THEREFORE, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim October 2019 LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize the need for increased advocacy and improved public policy as we continue to work toward true liberty and justice for all.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this twentieth day of September two thousand nineteen, the year of the commonwealth the two hundred fourty-fourth.
Tom Wolf
Governor
10/21/2019