Leesburg commissioners are standing up for gay pride at a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is feeling increasingly under assault.
Mayor James Burry Jr. has declared June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Leesburg.
“The City of Leesburg respects the value and dignity of each LGBTQIA+ person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom,” the mayor said in the proclamation.
The proclamation went on to denounce prejudice and discrimination. It also declared that it is “imperative” that young LGBTQIA+ people “feel valued, safe, empowered and supported.”
In 2015, Leesburg became the first municipality in Lake County to pass a non-discrimination ordinance extending vital protections to LGBTQIA+ individuals.