Mission & Vision
Solano Pride Center builds community and provides services for Solano County’s LGBTQIA2S+ people and our allies. Solano Pride Center envisions a community where all LGBTQIA2S+ people live freely and authentically.
Do you get our weekly eBlasts on Wednesday afternoons? If not, or if you need to update your email, follow this link to register for our weekly eBlasts. Look below for some of our latest eBlasts.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Go under the Program button in the menu or go to these links:
Support and social groups, https://www.solanopride.org/social-and-support-groups
Senior Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/senior-programs/
Youth Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/youth-programs/
HIV Prevention & Support: https://www.solanopride.org/hiv-prevention-support/
Blood Drives: https://www.solanopride.org/blood-drives/
Volunteering: https://www.solanopride.org/volunteering/
Protests & Advocacy: https://www.solanopride.org/protests-advocacy/
Studies: https://www.solanopride.org/studies/
Regional LGBTQ+ Partners: https://www.solanopride.org/regional-lgbtq-partners/
Events:
Suisun Pride 2025: https://www.solanopride.org/suisun-pride-2025/
Pride Center Events: https://www.solanopride.org/pride-center-events/
Community Events: https://www.solanopride.org/community-events/
Suisun Pride 2024: https://www.solanopride.org/suisun-pride-2024/
Want to help us raise funds for the Center?
| Can you spare a few dollars to help keep the Center open during these trying times? LGBTQIA2S+ Centers across the state are experiencing a drop in donations, and your support is crucial to help us continue delivering the life-saving services our community depends on. If you are giving to our General Fund to support all of our programming, you can give through our portal on Zeffy at https://tinyurl.com/Give2SolanoPride. |
Announcing our 2025 Suisun City Pride
June 1st from noon to 6 pm!
Harbor Plaza, Suisun City
520 Solano St., Suisun City, CA
Sponsoring 2025 Suisun City Pride
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/suisun-city-pride-2025-promotional-packages
Performer Application Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTgSHhdOcmblA30Q4Zi1ITWfKfVhIqhxDgpF8P7gyLFd7lHw/viewform
Application to be a Vendor or have a Booth
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-suisun-city-pride-event-vendors
Digital Advertising in the Program for Pride!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pride-digital-program-advertising
Are you ready for Suisun City Pride again on Sunday, June 1st from noon to 6 pm? Plan now to make a weekend of it, visiting some of these regional friends and famm.
Or, download the pdf below so the links work for you!
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Letter from the Executive Director:
| Dear friends, Our planning for Suisun City Pride on June 1st is coming together, with many dance troupes already confirmed! Let’s meet them! Our mission at Bliss Urban Arts Center (Hip-Hop presentation) is to provide Solano County (and beyond) with high-quality programs to serve our community! We bring people together through dance, theatre, fitness, poetry, music and more. We at BUAC are honored to have such artistic educators on our staff & happy to have you join our network of artists, mentors and students! |
| Kashinoki TAIKO (Japanese Taiko Drummers) teach local classes in Suisun City. Kashinoki Taiko is a Japanese Taiko drumming group that performs in Japan and internationally. They are known for their powerful rhythms, dynamic performances, and unique blend of music, dance, and martial arts movements. Taiko drumming, a traditional Japanese drumming art form is known for its blend of music, movement, and spirit. |
| Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl (Mexican Folk Dancing) Our mission is to empower the community and to educate the general public, providing Mexican culture. Since 1996. Netzahualcoyotl Vidal, known as “Maestro Netza,” born in Nayarit, México. Trained as a professional dancer, and dancing in some of the most prestigious folklorico groups in México.I’m been instructing students of all ages, and performing in theaters and community events throughout the Bay Area. Our mission is to empower the community and to educate the general public by providing a greater understanding and appreciation for Mexican culture and folklore through music, dance, and traditional art forms. |
| SPC to hold open, in-person Board meeting at the Center on Monday, May 19th at 6:30 pm. Our board normally meets online, but will be hosting an in person meeting where we will be able to hear anyone from the LGBTQIA2S+ community about their needs (up to 3 minutes each), and folx will be able to hear the public portion of the meeting.   Save the Date! Interfaith Pride Service. Sunday, June 22nd at 4 pm at a congregation to be announced. Email will@solanopride.org to join the planning or music teams. |
Dear friends,
Our planning for Suisun City Pride on June 1st is coming together, with over 30+ vendors and 8 food trucks/trailers already signed up!
We are pleased to announce that “The Freeze 32° F”, an indie-pop 90’s and beyond rock band, will be the opening Band at Pride! They also write and record their own original music. Founded by mom Deb Fries (on keys, guitar, and vocals) and son Alex Fries (on drums and vocals), they are joined by seasoned bass player Alex Barrierre from NYC, L.A. raised lead guitarist Omar Cruz, and the very experienced percussionist Milton McGriff. Miss Alleta Nash of Benicia recently joined the band as lead vocalist, adding spicy harmonies and even a few violin licks here and there. Be sure to like and follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages where you can also find our upcoming shows. We’re here to entertain so come out to hear Icy Hot Music for Cool People!
We are pleased to announce that “Glass Cactus”, from School of Rock Vacaville, will be the closing Band at Pride!
Glass Cactus is the School of Rock Vacaville houseband that is made up of kids from ages 12-17 who audition to be in the band every year. Performing for many community events and going on tour every summer! You might remember them as the closing act of Pride in the Park last year in Vacaville!
Can you spare a few dollars to help keep the Center open during these trying times? LGBTQIA2S+ Centers across the state are experiencing a drop in donations, and your support is crucial to help us continue delivering the life-saving services our community depends on.
We at Solano Pride have noticed that we have received $20,000 less in donations from the community over the last six months since the election than the previous years. We are recognizing that the uncertainty since then has definitely affected giving for our life-sustaining programs. If you are in a place to share financially right now, we definitely need your help right now. You can even set up a monthly donation of as little as $5 a month, which helps us more than you can know.
If you are giving to our General Fund to support all of our programming, you can give through our portal on Zeffy at https://tinyurl.com/Give2SolanoPride. Donate today!
Dear friends,
Our planning for Suisun City Pride on June 1st is coming together, with over 25+ vendors and 8 food trucks/trailers already signed up!
We are pleased to announce that Drag Queen extraordinaire Bella Aldama & Bi+ comedian Myles Weber will be our hosts for the day! The numbers of Drag performers and bands are increasing, with a number of family friendly, multicultural dance troupes also signing up to share their talents! If your group hasn’t submitted their registration, please do so soon as we had to extend our deadline until May 15th to include those who haven’t yet signed up!
We will once again have a Digital Program for Pride, so if you’d like to have a special place within our program to advertise your business or project, please do get your images, text or publishing ready flyers to us by noon on Saturday, May 24th to be included.
Follow this link to reserve your spot today! https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/pride-digital-program-advertising
This Sunday (May 4th) at 4 pm at CCC UCC in Benicia. Rev. Casey Tinnin will be sharing “LGBTQ+ Survival and Success in a Hostile Environment” – about what it was like having the Proud Boys protest his congregation for welcoming queer youth and Trans folx.
Don’t miss this presentation! 1305 West 2nd Street, Benicia!
Dear friends,
Our Queer Youth Prom for 14-18 year olds will be Saturday, May 10th at the Center from 6-9 pm! It will be Out of This World!
It will be a great, fund night in the big room off the main entrance to our building. Volunteers for decorating and take down are still needed. Contact tyrstan@solanopride.org for more info!
Did you know that you could make a whole weekend of Suisun Pride this year?
It’s been real hard for us to plan any after parties for Pride in the past, so we are pleased to have a Pre-Pride Drag show on Friday, May 30th from 8 pm to midnight at the Marina Lounge by DJ Pocket and Friends!
We have also compiled a list of LGBTQ owned or friendly businesses with some fun ideas for you, your family and friends to participate in throughout the region! From wineries to spa days, good eats and fun for the family! Check out the links on our website or download the pdf here.
You may also wish to take the train to Pride, as it is in walking distance to Harbor Plaza and a couple of hotels! See the files below.
Stephan’s Corner – Treasurer & Program Committee Chair
Update on how to Side with the Trans and Gender non Conforming Community in your advocacy:
Hey Solano Pride Community!
I don’t know where we all are in regard to resisting and or activism. It’s a spectrum and a necessity in a democracy. The ebb and flow of freedom has always been a fight and this here and now we are surviving in 2025 is no different. Authoritarianism is once again trying to steal our freedoms with greed as the ultimate motivator, yet again.
As Will and I create a Resist 101 (and 102) training/meeting to bring, I thought maybe some of you might be interested in what I am working on in regard to the California Forever and a potential shipyard being built near Collinsville. Feel free to share any of my ideas, as well as send your own even counter ideas to your representatives. This is just one of the ways we can participate in democracy. You definitely don’t have to write near as much as I did, but please make your voice heard.
Find your reps: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
California Forever: https://californiaforever.com/plan-overview/
Shipyard: https://californiaforever.com/the-solano-shipyard-location/
Dear Lori Wilson (and or I will be sending this to all my reps with changes to the personal remarks at the beginning);
We met at Equality California lobby days. My name is Stephan Clifford, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with nonbinary and transgender humans, predominantly youth. I am a clinical supervisor of associate level clinicians and I work with Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) as an educator on queer culture for clinicians, educators and staff across Solano County. I serve on the Solano Pride board and the Kyle Hyland Teen Center board. My viewpoints are my own and do not represent any of the above resume.
I am writing in regard to California Forever and the new shipyard being proposed near Collinsville.
My knee jerk reaction is to just say “hell no”. I don’t know that consent will matter in this case and certainly if the shipyard contract goes through, California Forever and Collins Aerospace and their big Silicon Valley money will steamroll over us regular folk and get their dream in the process.
So I have an idea on how it could benefit Solano County with more than just taxes and short term jobs. If, even water rights could be established for such a project.
- They must create an environmentally sustainable town/industrial area and anything related to California Forever, Collins Aerospace and or the Shipyard must be closely monitored for environmental impact.
- The government must clean up and return Mare Island to Vallejo. I would also say that Mare Island must be utilized for massive amounts of affordable housing as the majority percentage of the housing units, and done so with Vallejo in a sustainable way with full infrastructure for schools, food, healthcare and transportation.
- For any related housing near the shipyard, 50% of units must qualify as affordable housing and must be offered to current Solano County residents before offering to any other potential residents and no housing units can be purchased by foreign investors.
- California Forever must work with local municipalities to create a modern transportation system to connect all of Solano County with each other in an affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, which is to be completed in parallel with the potential city and shipyard.
- California Forever city must create a vast community center that highlights the history of Solano County and provide equal space to the cultural diversity of the county. A free use space for all citizens of the county for meet ups, performances and education. The current LGBTQ+ non profit organizations should be given rent free permanent safe spaces to utilize for services and offices and the same should be provided for Black organizations, Latin American organizations, Indigenous organizations and Filipino organizations, as the predominantly under funded and marginalized communities of Solano County.
- Keeping, maintaining and managing of the multicultural center described above, must be part of the bylaws for the city, so that it cannot be repurposed.
- Every school in Solano county should be given grants from California Forever to modernize and make similar to the technology and environmentally sustainable education programs that will be needed in the new city, to allow for lack of income and modernization inequities across the county in regard to education.
- 80% of any jobs created by this must be union.
- Veterans must be given first marketing towards any and all jobs created by this venture.
- All landscaping and construction must adhere to drought resistance and native wildlife.
- All roads going in and out of these businesses and developments must be modernized to reduce traffic.
- Fire resistance construction and landscaping and management should be required to highest technological ability.
- California Forever should provide grants to SCOE (Solano County Office of Education) to modernize and staff wellness centers across the county.
- Bay Area and Northern California State Universities should be given opportunities to bid for a satellite campus to improve higher education opportunities. California Forever/Shipyard/Collins Aerospace should adapt internships for these local students to keep jobs local.
Whatever is agreed upon should be part of the city’s bylaws and permanent unless a 2/3 majority of the Solano County Board of Supervisors votes to amend based on California Forever’s (or future city name) City Council votes with a 2/3 majority to petition the Board of County Supervisors to create a ballot initiative so that the whole of
Solano County has the opportunity to give a 2/3 majority vote.
It may sound strict, and yet the whole of Solano County must benefit from this change as the whole of Solano County will pay a cost if this is not done correctly.
I am sure communities may even have more to say and ask. I know it sounds like a lot to ask. And, we should negotiate due to the potential consequences for our communities and the fact that our county is one of the most underfunded in the entire state.
Having all of the cities on board to negotiate this could provide a financial and equitable boon to our county for over a hundred years, if not longer, which will benefit the Bay and the State overall. This would give Solano County a chance to compete with our neighbors in a fair and equitable way. One, that I could argue is overdue given our purple heart status for service member sacrifices, and the poverty, substance abuse and mental health disparities our county already faces due to lack of funding and the devastation that occurred when Mare Island closed.
I know I am an idealist, and the status quo of the 20th century is gone, so I don’t see how we have a choice but to fight for a better future for us all. Technology and humanity don’t have to be at odds, if innovation is to continue, then the cost to those investing in the future should be to make sure humanity improves its overall quality of life in the process with those innovative technological advancements.
Thank you for all you do! Thank you for your time, let me know how I can help,
Stephan Clifford, LCSW
Board Member
Treasurer, Program’s Chair
Stephan@SolanoPride.Org
Thanks to all who came out for Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom!
We had a great time together, making new memories. And a huge to all of our volunteers who made the night what it was!
Thank you Solano Pride!
I graduated from Benicia High School in 1998. My wife and I started dating in secret in 1996 after being best friends for 3 years. The 90s was the era of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and Defense Against Marriage Act. It was a lot of “you may exist as long as I don’t see you”. Going to prom together was off the table. Our junior Prom we went to the Olive Garden and for our Senior Prom I saved my money and went to see RENT at the Orpheum theater in San Francisco (in my black on black mustang convertible, I miss that car).
Over time the rebellion feeling faded and the loss of a milestone belonging moment became an infected sliver in my memories.
So, then here we are in a different time with a darker view of our alphabet family, which made going to prom with Solano Pride quite the special experience.
My wife and I dressed up, got matching boutonnière/corsage goodies. There was processing the entire time and internal angst and grief around things not having to have been as they were, during the build up.
Then pulling up to see the rainbow arch, everything faded away as we just enjoyed ourselves. Surrounded by multi racial, multi spiritual, all swaths of our rainbow tapestry across all the generations, it was in the most perfect anti fascist evening of fun. Beautiful.
Sure, things should happen in order without worry, surrounded by the folks we grow with, and my life not within a linear progression, has been filled with blessings, despite the adversities. It’s hard to find that radical gratitude sometimes, and yet vitally important to truly live this life.
To all the folks that donated time and money, to the staff at Solano Pride whom I hold so dear to my heart, to all the family that came out to Prom and danced, performed, sang along or just sipped and people watched, thank you for resisting doom and celebrating the rainbow fireworks that we create whenever we come together in our inclusive diversity.
Thank you Will McGarvey for remembering and understanding when I left the youth prom last year and asked for just this opportunity.
Thanks for being you and accepting me. More of this, forevermore.
Stephan L.T. Clifford
Volunteer at Suisun Pride!
If you would like to volunteer at Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom this year, please email cristina@solanopride.org to join our next orientation on Wednesday, April 16th from 6-7 pm on zoom!
Next HANDS OFF! Fairfield, every Thursday afternoon from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the corner of Pennsylvania Street & Travis Blvd., Saturday, May 17th at noon at the Same Corner in Fairfield & June 14th (flag day) at a site to be announced.
(Sponsored by MobilizeUS, hosted by Azonia Haney, public citizen of Fairfield). Contact Azonia Haney to help make it happen at (503) 419-8469 or handsoff.fairfieldca@gmail.com.
Indivisible Vacaville is hosting a protest Saturday, Saturday, May 17th.
Thank you for joining the Indivisible Vacaville group. Saturday, May 17th, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm we will be protesting in front of Vacaville City Hall, 650 Merchant St.
There is public parking in back of City Hall and a breezeway next to the rose garden that you can easily walk through to the front of City Hall.
Indivisible Hands-off of our Civil Rights is the theme. We are reclaiming our flag. Bring your signs, flags, water, chairs.
Remember this is a peaceful protest.
Do not engage with negative gestures or speech. Our chant is “this is what democracy looks like”. Hope to see you there
Linda C. James (70lcjames@gmail.com)
The announcements for upcoming protests and advocacy can now be found on our Protests and Advocacy page under program in the menu above….
We have found a way to raise money for the Center that doesn’t involved you sending a check or buying a thing!
Thanks to the 25 people who gave responses on HundredX Causes that helped us raise almost $500! We will let you know when you can help again!
How To Be An Ally at the Benicia Library!
Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Doña Benicia Room!
This Pride Month, we invite you to bring the questions you’ve always wanted to ask of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in a respectful, open environment. Whether you’re new to allyship or looking to deepen your understanding, this interactive Q&A session with a representative from Solano Pride Center offers a chance to learn, connect, and grow.
Here’s the mission and vision for Solano Pride Center:
“Solano Pride Center builds community and provides services for Solano County’s LGBTQIA2S+ people and our allies. Solano Pride Center envisions a community where all LGBTQIA2S+ individuals can live freely and authentically.”
Allies play an important role in making that vision a reality.
All are welcome. Come with curiosity, leave with knowledge. Link
Red Cross Blood Drives come to Solano Pride Center!
Not everyone can give blood…but everyone is eligible to volunteer.
Only 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but 100 percent can volunteer to help you host a successful blood drive. Every time you receive a “no” from a potential blood donor, ask him or her to say “yes” to volunteering their time to participate in saving lives. There are many opportunities to engage volunteers—even if it’s only for an hour or as little as 30 minutes. And, there aren’t the restrictions there used to be against our community, so schedule a time to come to the Conference Room off the Main Entrance to the Center’s building, and come out Friday, August 8th between 10 am and 3 pm. Sign up here!
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=SPBDF
See our new Blood Drives website under Programs in the menu above….
Statement on our Agency’s commitment to confidentiality in our care:
We don’t ask questions of our clients around citizenship or documentation. We never have and never will. We also do not disclose any personal or contact information about our clients without their written permission. If any public agency comes seeking such information, they will be turned away and referred to our legal representation. We are contractually obligated by the County and other funders to keep HIPAA privacy laws and protect the privacy and confidentiality of all of our clients. See our “Notice of Privacy Practices” in our Center, and on the paperwork shared during intake of all counseling and case management services.
Solano Pride Center offers counseling and psychotherapy to the LGBTQ+ community of Solano County.
There are openings available for those who wish to be seen for counseling services right now! We can even talk to you if you just want to make sense of the times we live in. We are able to see clients for up to six months at no cost to clients, helping you make sense of life as a queer person, get support coming out, or deepening your self confidence by talking about your past. Please call our confidential line to make an appointment at: 707-389-4520.
In addition Solano Pride Center is accepting application from Associate Clinicians (AMFT and ACSW) in addition to trainees needing practicum sites who are interested in providing therapy to the LGBTQ community. Please contact our Clinical Director Colin Amato at colin@solanopride.org for more information.
Social and Support Groups for many sub groups within our community.
To see all of the support and social groups, go under the home button in the menu or go to this link: https://www.solanopride.org/social-and-support-groups
Senior Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/senior-programs/
Youth Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/youth-programs/
HIV Prevention Awareness
Did you know you can get STI testing mailed to your home?
Did you know that PreP and PeP can help you remain HIV negative?
Contact me for more info! Thank you. Cristina Zaldana
Cristina Zaldana
More information now in our HIV Prevention page, under the Programs in the menu above…
Calling All Volunteers!
Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Solano Pride Center, please let us know!
Our next Volunteer Training is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th at 6 pm on zoom. If you are interested in volunteering, just for special events or on a more regular basis at the Center, please email cristina@solanopride.org with the best times that work for you to be trained. These trainings are necessary for anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Center, in one of our Programs, or even for short term events like our Pride celebrations being planned now! Don’t miss this informative background on how to help, knowing our best practices and Community Agreements!
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
See our Volunteer page under the Programs menu above….
Hello Community Vendor or Organization,
Vacaville People’s Forum would like to extend an invitation to you to join us again this year as a vendor or community table at the 5th Annual Pride in the Park 2025, happening on Sunday, June 22, from 12:00–3:00 PM at Andrews Park (614 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688). The event will include performances by Drag Queens and Kings, music by DJ Rene Ortiz, food and more!!
Your past participation has helped make this event a meaningful and vibrant celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in Vacaville, and we’d love to have you back with us this year. At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility are facing renewed resistance across the country, coming together as a community is more important than ever. Pride in the Park is about joy, resilience, and solidarity, and your presence helps make that possible.
Last year we received a lot of feedback from vendors about the heat and have reserved both sides of the stage and plan to have all vendors on the cement side of the bandshell stage where there is more shade, while the main event will take place on the grass-side. Please see the application form as you can select if you’d like to be placed on the park-side of the stage or the grass-side. The FaceBook event can be found here.
If you’d like to join us as a vendor and/or contribute as a sponsor to help support the event, please fill out the application here as soon as possible or by Saturday, May 17 so that we can reserve your spot and include your organization in our promotional materials. Space is on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are unable to join us or would also like to sponsor the event, please see our event Sponsorship options which can also be found here.
For more information, please feel free to reach out at vpf@vvpeoplesforum.org! Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you there!
In community,
Mary Vasquez, Chair
Vacaville People’s Forum
Vacaville People’s Forum
www.vvpeoplesforum.org
vpf@vvpeoplesforum.org
Donate: https://givebutter.com/VVPeoplesForum2025
Follow us:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vvpeoplesforum/
IG: http://instagram.com/vvpeoplesforum
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacavillePeoplesForum
Ever wondered how to find all of the Queer organizations here in the Bay Area? Well, the Horizon’s Foundation has just such a list!
Here: https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/org-directory/
This amazing training from the Center for Human Development has been rescheduled for July 30th to August 1st.
Need to contact one of our staff? Would you like to drop by to check out a book from our Queer Library? Contact us this way.
If you find yourself in crisis during this time, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or our partners at these crisis numbers!
• Trevor Project Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline Crisis Number: 1-877-565-8860
• Solano County Mobile Crisis Number: 707-806-0866
• Solano County Crisis Stabilization Service Number: 707-428-1131
Weekly Eblasts – Links below:
Do you get our weekly eBlasts on Wednesday afternoons? If not, or if you need to update your email, follow this link to register for our weekly eBlasts.
Thanks to all of our Donors for the Silent Auction at the Poetry Slam and beyond! Please do shop at these Gay owned businesses, and our supportive Allies!
Solano Pride Center
The Board of the Solano Pride Center shares our sadness that the Mayor of the City of Vacaville continues to use his position to give cover for the discrimination many in our community experience there. Like we did for every city, our Executive Director sent proposed language to use in a proclamation that actually gives an account of our history of discrimination and need for civil rights protections from our elected leaders.
This year we sent the request early, and attempted to hear back when the proclamation would be shared, and have not had that time confirmed. In preparing the so-called “Proclamation,” the Mayor’s office produced a document to be signed by the Vice Mayor that was similar to those of previous years, but with no proclamation that June 2024 would be Pride Month in the City of Vacaville. We also noticed a change to the text, including the deletion of the phrase “celebrate and build”, which was changed to “while building,” without an actual declaration of Pride Month. The language is so vague that it could apply to any other community, without addressing the violence members of our community experiences every day. Every other city we have received Proclamations from have adapted the language we have offered, but has still included the historical portions because that was the point. The language the Mayor used further white washes the history of America as if our country wasn’t created with the legality of slave states and the second class citizenship of women.
Furthermore, our biggest frustrations have centered around the lack of notification of when the flag was to be raised, as we experienced in almost every other city of the county today. Because we were not notified of the time of the flag raising, our community was denied the opportunity to be in attendance and participate to mark the moment. We understand that the Pride Flag has been raised on the School Street site, and will remain except for a day to honor the Army on June 14th (veterans comprise a significant portion of our community). Though we sent our request to the whole City Council on April 17th, we have had to ask for responses rather than a friendly sharing of events. The lack of communication feels intentional.
The erasure of our community happens on a daily basis, and the policies coming out of the Mayor’s office continues to discriminate against our civil rights and treats us like second class citizens. We call upon the good people of Vacaville to remind their Mayor that his oath of office is to serve all of the city, and not just those of his particular religious tradition. Leading Vacaville together means including your LGBTQ+ family and protecting their civil rights.
Will McGarvey
Executive Director
On behalf of the Solano Pride Center’s Board of Directors, June 2024