WHEREAS, the CNMI community has built on remarkable progress to uplift, center and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities across generations, spanning every sexual orientation and gender identity; and,
WHEREAS, the progress of empowering LGBTQ+ people and the vital work of allies to bridge understanding exemplifies the vastness of our ocean and comes with the task to expand rights and encourage accountability for each other; and,
WHEREAS, even while the community embodies an extraordinary resilience, there continue to be challenges for those on the margins of the margins. Genderqueer, transgender and non-binary individuals ought to be heard and respected when they take the lead; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ continue to push our community to aspire to greater existence by being more inclusive, creating spaces of belonging, and exemplifying compassion for every human in every walk of life; and,
WHEREAS, allies across the Marianas band together to support LGBTQ+ communities in their fight for equity, demonstrating the true spirit of all who call the Marianas home without exclusivity; and,
WHEREAS, institutions in government, education, healthcare, and others are vital in shaping relationships among our LGBTQ+ community and serving to create an atmosphere of love and value for every life; and,
WHEREAS, with this declaration, our community vows that now is the right time to forever shut the door on inequality, prejudice, and discrimination. Instead, we choose love that sees no bounds. In doing so, we commit to creating a braver, safer, and more inclusive Marianas.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as
CNMI PRIDE MONTH
Governor Torres and I urge the entire Commonwealth to come together and support our LGBTQ+ community, recognize their many contributions to our society, and promote equality and liberty for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 23rd day of June 2020.
/s/
ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
Lieutenant Governor
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