Lacey City Council proclaims June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 

The Lacey City Council proclaimed June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month during a meeting on Tuesday, June 16. 

Pizza Klatch Executive Director El Sanchez accepted the proclamation on behalf of the nonprofit organization. Pizza Klatch runs lunchtime support groups for LGBTQIA+ youths in 14 area public schools, mostly high schools. 

Sanchez told council members that the current climate has increased the need for programs, such as Pizza Klatch. The organization conducts annual surveys to evaluate outcomes among participating students. 

"Just because of attending Pizza Klatch, 64% of them say they think about suicide less," Sanchez said. "(A total of) 58% say they self-harm less because of attending Klatch. So it's really important." 

Sanchez also addressed a common misconception about what happens in the groups. Adult facilitators do not teach students about sexual orientation or gender identity. Students attend because they already identify as LGBTQIA+ and sessions cover a range of topics. 

"Most of the time we talk, they talk about homework, they talk about anime, but they also talk about how they're getting bullied in school or at home sometimes," Sanchez said.

"A lot of times Klatch is a space where they can meet other people in their school that have the same identities they have, that have the same struggles they have, and just knowing they're not the only one breaks the isolation." 

According to the organization, Pizza Klatch’s mission is to foster resilience in LGBTQ+ youths and create a safe school experience through support, education and empowerment.

Suicide prevention is not identified as a primary objective, though Sanchez said survey results indicate it is one outcome of the program. 

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, an act of resistance against police brutality that became a catalyst for LGBTQIA+ civil rights movements nationwide. 

The proclamation noted the month serves as both a recognition of progress made and a reminder that work toward safety, acceptance and inclusion continues. 

It cited Washington state's anti-discrimination protections passed in 2006 and 2009 for sexual orientation and gender identity, respectively. It also noted the voter-approved marriage equality referendum of 2012. 

Despite that legislative progress, the proclamation acknowledged LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face discrimination, housing insecurity and threats to their well-being. It also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to dignity, respect and inclusion for all community members.