County of Marin Health and Human Services

LGBTQ+

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June is PRIDE Month!

On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the Marin County Board of Supervisors announced a resolution proclaiming June 2020 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month! The Philadelphia Pride Flag  was raised at county facility flagpoles and will stay raised throughout the month of June. This flag was raised for the first time in June 2017 in the city of Philadelphia over City Hall. The difference? This new flag included a brown and a black stripe in addition to the six-colored flag originally designed by Gilbert Baker. These stripes were added to be an outward facing sign of visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals of color. See the Board of Supervisors meeting here.

LGBTQ+ individuals of color have made and continue to make important contributions to the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. It was the Brown and Black LGBTQ+ community who were instrumental in the Stonewall uprising, including activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie.  However, it is the unfortunate fact that racism, discrimination, and marginalization occur in all communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. The Philadelphia Pride flag is a symbol of inclusivity which honors the rich history of LGBTQ+ individuals of color.

Pride events began with a riot at the Stonewall Inn in New York by Black and Brown Trans and Queer people. It has since become a celebration of our humanity and creativity; however, as activists, this year has heightened this importance as our Black and Brown community members continue to experience racism, violence, discrimination, harassment, and a lack of access to services, healthcare, housing, and employment. We invite you to join with us in recognizing Pride, celebrating who we are, and raising and centering the voices of those who continue to fight for their most basic rights. 

Mental Health and Substance Use Services (MHSUS) changed its name to Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS).  As such, all references in existing departmental policies and procedures to MHSUS can be understood to reference BHRS as well.