Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has long championed protections for LGBTQ+ communities, adopting a policy condemning discrimination against gay and lesbian people in 1984 and supporting marriage equality in 2009. Through policy, action and the leadership of the Conference’s LGBTQ+ Alliance, established in 2019, America’s mayors have worked to advance equality, oppose discrimination, and help ensure LGBTQ+ residents and their families feel safe, included, and supported in their communities. This week, during its 94th Annual Meeting, the Conference will inaugurate San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria as its 84th president, marking a historic milestone as the first openly gay mayor to hold the position.
As Pride Month begins, below is a statement from USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran:
“America’s mayors are proud to stand with LGBTQ+ residents this Pride Month and every month. Pride is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that the work of building safer, more inclusive communities is never finished.
“At a time when LGBTQ+ Americans, especially transgender people and LGBTQ+ youth, continue to face discrimination, harmful rhetoric, and targeted attacks, mayors remain committed to ensuring our cities are safe places of dignity, opportunity, and belonging for everyone.
“This month, we celebrate the contributions, resilience, and leadership of LGBTQ+ Americans in every corner of our nation. Through their innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and civic engagement, the LGBTQ+ community has helped strengthen our economy, enrich our culture, and shape more vibrant cities. We know this progress did not happen by accident. It was realized because people had the courage to speak up, organize and demand equal treatment under the law. Now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to the fundamental principle that everyone deserves to live freely, safely, and authentically. We look forward to Mayor Gloria’s leadership as we continue to advance the Conference’s longstanding commitment to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ communities across the country.”