On October 24, City Council unanimously voted in favor of approving a critical resolution that reaffirms our city’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and inclusion, while condemning all forms of hatred and discrimination.
Our community thrives on inclusion, respect, and acceptance — and as San José residents, we are incredibly proud that our children will grow up in a world that is more tolerant, diverse, and vibrant than ever before.
Every child has the inherent right to be themselves, learn without fear, and thrive free from discrimination. It’s a promise we make to our children, especially in our schools where their futures are shaped. But there are forces, like Informed Parents Silicon Valley, spreading harmful messages and trying to hinder education, threaten our children’s rights and sow seeds of misunderstanding.
And they’re not alone — they are part of a nationwide movement to undermine hard won rights of queer and trans communities, and communities of color, and foster prejudice and hatred.
That is why on September 20, 2023, San José’s community, labor, and faith organizations came together and stood in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community to express unwavering support for Councilmembers Pam Foley and Omar Torres, who introduced a critical resolution reaffirming the city’s enduring dedication to racial justice and inclusion while vehemently opposing hatred and discrimination.
We will rise up against book bans, bigotry and beyond. We will not stand silent as our rights and those of our community members are threatened.
Rev. Jeff Moore II, President, Silicon Valley NAACP
Leaders from Working Partnerships USA, BAYMEC, San José NAACP, South Bay Pride at Work, and the South Bay Labor Council took to the podium to voice their solidarity and support. Their message was loud and clear: We will not sit idle as forces of hatred and bigotry threaten the rights of our LGBTQIA+ children and families, and we will not stop till the values of gender and racial justice are upheld in our city.
Councilmember Pam Foley introduced the resolution and uplifted the importance of teaching understanding, acceptance, and inclusion in our schools and communities: “Education about LGBTQIA+ issues increases understanding, acceptance and respect of our LGBTQIA+ children and youth, helping them to live more authentic lives. This is critical because the lack of understanding and prejudice that children and families face contribute to isolation, depression and suicidal ideation.”
“This is not love, this is hatred”, says Drew Lloyd, President of BAYMEC, speaking of similar efforts in school districts across the state. “We cannot let them bully these children. We’re in California in 2023, I feel like we are back in 1984 when BAYMEC was first founded.”
Now is our moment to rise as one, to give our Black and Indigenous neighbors, and other neighbors of color, and our friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ community the support they deserve. We thank Councilmembers Pam Foley and Omar Torres for taking bold and immediate action and introducing a powerful resolution that reinstates our city’s commitment to inclusion, acceptance and learning.
To any organization that would stand there, and try to put us back in the closet, and make us afraid to be ourselves; I represent the one thing you’ve never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try.
I am hope.
Lyseria Kursave, President, South Bay Pride at Work
As residents of San José, we must join in solidarity with each other and speak up against hatred and prejudice and support this resolution, and hold our elected representatives accountable to serving ALL of us regardless of our gender and sexual orientation or the color of our skin.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the San José City Council meeting on October 24 to support Councilmembers Foley & Torres’ resolution! We’re grateful for the strong show of support.
Our hearts are full. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, public school teachers, parents, union members, people of faith, came forward to support a just, loving and inclusive community here in San José. Your commitment to standing up against hatred and discrimination has made an impact.
Together, we’ve taken a step towards a more inclusive San José. Let’s celebrate this victory and continue working for a more inclusive city!
