The tiny city of San Fernando has a big voice in support of LGBTQ+

In June 2021, the San Fernando City Council adopted a resolution declaring June as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month (LGBTQ+)” in this San Fernando Valley suburb of Los Angeles, calling upon residents in the 24,000 population community to “eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of our city.”

Two years later, on Thursday, June 1, city leaders hosted its third annual Pride flag-raising on the steps of San Fernando City Hall. Mayor Celeste Rodriguez joined other city councilmembers, local officials, and LGBTQ+ representatives.

Rodriguez told the gathering, “You know, this is a celebration of diversity in the city. We’re just so excited that we have the entire community out here today to recognize that our differences are our strengths.” Answering a question from a member of the media, she said the city has a significant community of LGBT residents. She noted, “I think that moments like this is where we show that we recognize them. … We’re one beautiful  community. ”

San Fernando Police Department Lieutenant Nichole Hanchett, asked what the event meant to her personally, said, ”I’m married to my wife of 27 years, and the fact that it’s being recognized is just really wonderful. And it definitely shows a sense of support and progress to recognize that everybody is equal. … And especially, you know, in law enforcement, we struggle with that, and we’re moving forward slowly. Events like this really help to put it on the map and really move this movement forward.”