WHEREAS, the CNMI is comprised of a diverse and vibrant culture founded on the spirit of inafamaolek and continuously striving to maintain and promote harmony; and,
WHEREAS, the CNMI community has built on remarkable progress to uplift, center, and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Agender, Non-Binary, and Others of our LGBTQIA+ communities across generations, spanning every sexual orientation and gender identity; and,
WHEREAS, the progress of empowering LGBTQIA+ 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 extraordinary resilience, there continue to be challenges for those on the margins of the margins. Transgender, non-binary, and femme-identifying folks ought to be heard and followed when they take the lead; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ community and serving to create an atmosphere of love and value for every life; and,
WHEREAS, everyone is called to action, everyone plays a part in creating braver safer spaces that embraces diversity, and inclusivity, and amplifies and empowers our youth, so that they may lead the way; and,
WHEREAS, with this declaration, our community vows that every month and every year is the right time to shut the door on prejudice, discrimination, and ignorance. Instead, we choose love that sees no bounds.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, AND, I, DAVID M. APATANG, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim June 2023 as
CNMI PRIDE MONTH
We urge the Commonwealth to come together to recognize and support our LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledge and celebrate their many contributions to our society, and promote equality and liberty for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 1st day of June 2023.
/s/
ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
Governor
/s/
DAVID M. APATANG
Lieutenant Governor
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