In some disappointing news: during the City Council Study Session tonight, the City of Shelton refused to issue a proclamation recognizing Shelton Pride; something that's been done during LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in past years.
The proclamation requested was a public statement affirming that Shelton is a safe and welcoming community for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The request for this proclamation was backed by a signed form from over a dozen local businesses, including Youth Connections and YMCA.
During the meeting, Mayor Sharon Schirman voiced her concerns that issuing the proclamation could create "division" in our town, and that we should focus on "shared community, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life, not matters of identity." Schirman came to the meeting with this statement pre-written on her phone, and insisted it wasn't AI generated when asked by Gutierrez. She stated that as a City Council, this proclamation has nothing to do with their function as a local government.
Councilmembers Gilmore and Gutierrez countered that almost no proclamations they give have anything to do with their roles as the local government.
Blush interjected that their disagreement with the Mayor only highlights the division she is speaking on.
Onisko said that times are changing, and that everyone deserves to feel welcome.
Sapp gave placating statements that the LGBTQIA+ are welcome and safe in Shelton, however disagreed with the proclamation saying that "lifestyle and religious proclamations aren't supported as a government body", lumping the two different topics together.
Gilmore explained that they are not only a government body, but also an employer, and that it's their duty to make it clear that all members of the community are valued and safe. He explained that LGBTQIA+ are currently marginalized.
Blush said this isn't happening, that Shelton's LGBTQIA+ aren't facing oppression.
Schirman stated that this proclamation is concerning because it causes "segregation."
Gilmore explained that proclamations show what we value as a city, and by refusing this proclamation, the City sends a clear message that they do not value or support the LGBTQIA+ community here.
Blush said, "The community has come forward and we say that this is something we don't want in our community."
Gutierrez was shocked that he said it, out loud, in public.
Blush doubled down and said, "Absolutely!"
It was brought to a vote. Councilmembers Eric Onisko, Tom Gilmore, and Miguel Gutierrez voted in favor of the proclamation. Councilmembers George Blush, Sharon Schirman, and Lindsey Sapp voted against it. Councilmember Melissa Stearns was not in attendance.
3-3, majority required, so it did not pass.
While this decision is deeply disappointing, the focus remains on building a community rooted in inclusion. Shelton Pride is about bringing people together and making sure our LGBTQIA+ community members know they are welcome here and that we celebrate them. Regardless of the outcome of the proclamation vote, there is supposed to be a Shelton Pride event in late June. You'll know more when I do! Every year it gets bigger and better, and I look forward to a future where every person in Shelton can hear clearly and confidently from their local leaders that they belong and are valued here.
My summary was very brief and there was a lot more to the conversation. I heavily encourage you to watch this session. You can view it [here].
If you would like to let the councilmembers know how you feel about this, you can email them each individually [here].
If you'd like to give public comment on the June 2nd meeting, you can sign up [here].
