HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0269.002 2020-2022 comm.M
From: Beverly T
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 11:55 AM
To: Council Testimony; Kagiwada,Jennifer
Subject: Written Testimony for Res. 135-21
Hawai'i County Council,
My name is Beverly Yates-Tese and 1 am the President of Hawaii Island LGBTQ+ Pride:-a non-profit
here on the Big Island. We are a small but mighty community. We come from all walks of life,
identities, and span from young to elder. It has been our mission at Hawaii Island LGBTQ+ Pride to
provide opportunities to our youth and diverse community by holding events for everyone to
gather together and celebrate love, diversity, and equality. We have continued to grow and now
also strive to provide support and education to our LGBTQ+ community and allies. This year during
Covid-19 most people have struggled to adapt to a new way of doing things. We are beyond
appreciative to be noticed by the Hawaii County through this resolution in a time when we all feel
so far apart from one another. Making June recognized as our official Pride month on the Big Island
means more than I think most of you may know. I am hopeful that we can continue to work with
the Hawaii County Council to help serve and support our LGBTQ+ community. I would like to take
this opportunity to extend an invitation to all of you to our 9t" Annual Pride Parade and Festival,
adapted of course to keep everyone safe. Our event is held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 11
am- 3 pm. If you would like to contact us please feel free to reach out to our member's contact on
our webpage at www.hawaiiisla-ndjgbt.c pric e..or
I want to make sure to also extend my personal and sincerest thanks to the County Council for
voting in this resolution to recognize Pride month. This is something near to my heart as I identify
as a queer person in our community. This makes a difference for me and my family.
Thank You,
Beverly Yates-Tese.
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