Council News Release

Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

COUNCILMEMBERS APPLAUD WEEKEND OF PRIDE
Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Tom Rasmussen welcome unity of LGBT Pride groups

Seattle — Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Tom Rasmussen hosted a meeting this morning with representatives of Seattle Out and Proud and the Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community of Seattle (LGBT Community Center). It was clear from the start that the two groups had been cooperating to coordinate plans for a weekend of citywide pride events. Councilmember Clark said, “This year’s Pride Celebration will reflect the depth and breadth of the city’s LGBT community.” Councilmember Tom Rasmussen said, “Celebrating the diversity of the LGBT community is always a central part of Pride weekend.”

At the meeting the two groups agreed to a schedule of events and to follow a set of principles for moving forward. On Saturday, June 23, the LGBT Community Center will hold a political march down Broadway on Capitol Hill and a festival at Volunteer Park afterwards. On Sunday, June 24, Seattle Out and Proud will hold a parade complete with floats in the downtown area. The two groups pledged to continue weekly meetings with open and effective communications; develop a unified marketing plan for a weekend of Pride Celebrations; be fiscally accountable to the community; and plan programming that reflects the diversity of community interests.

Councilmember Clark said, “This new set of principles and plan should end the uncertainty around Pride Celebrations for 2007. We can now anticipate a celebration that is as diverse as our community itself.” Councilmember Rasmussen said, “I was very impressed by the amount of organizing and cooperation that has already occurred. We had a very productive and constructive meeting this morning that will result in a weekend of different events that people can choose from. I urge everyone to work with these organizations for a great Pride Weekend.”

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City Council