On Monday, June 18, staff joined LGBTQ community members, friends, family and supporters at City Hall’s first-ever raising of the Pride flag (video). The celebration began with brief remarks by City Manager Brad Miyake emphasizing the city’s commitment to diversity and serving all residents. The flag will appear at the facility all week, from June 18-24. 

Earlier this month the City Council took a moment to declare June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride Month.” The proclamation recognizes “the meaningful impacts of the LGBTQ community has made and the contributions it has brought to Bellevue’s rich and diverse history and culture.” The proclamation is available for viewing. 

Also part of celebrating Pride Month:

• City staff will participate in the Seattle Pride Parade on June 24.

• Banners were posted at the Downtown Transit Station in partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association.

• Staff attended Bellevue College’s Pride Festival with tables about city services and employment opportunities.

• The downtown branch of Bank of America was welcomed into Bellevue Police’s Safe Place program. The program, in collaboration with local businesses, schools and organizations, creates safe locations for individuals to visit if they feel they have been a victim of anti-LGBTQ crimes.