BREAKING: Whittier City Council Declares June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month

A rainbow Pride flag waves in the sky. Whittier City Council declared June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month during its June 23 meeting.

WHITTIER, Calif. — The Whittier City Council declared June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month during the opening portion of its June 23 regular meeting, with Whittier Pride accepting the proclamation on behalf of the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Mayor James Becerra presented the proclamation after the Council moved the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority presentation to the beginning of the meeting because of the recent brush fire near Colima Road.

Becerra said the proclamation recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and encourages residents to continue building a community where all people are treated with dignity and respect. He also stated that Whittier welcomes all people and said LGBTQ+ rights are human rights that will be defended and honored in the city.

Council members also offered supportive remarks, thanking local LGBTQ+ leaders, activists, and Whittier Pride organizers for their work in the community.

The proclamation drew public comment later in the meeting.

One speaker criticized LGBTQ-related recognition using religious and legal arguments, including references to First Amendment case law and Bible passages. The speaker also read inflammatory material while arguing that offensive speech can be constitutionally protected.

Supporters also spoke during public comment. A Whittier Pride representative thanked the Council for the recognition and said Pride Month remains important for the local LGBTQ+ community. Another speaker, identifying herself as a Whittier Pride ambassador, spoke about recently getting married and thanked Whittier Pride for helping make that moment possible.

Online public comment also included religious remarks connected to the Pride proclamation, with one speaker reading Bible passages, including verses about the rainbow as a covenant symbol.

The Pride Month proclamation was one of three opening presentations at the meeting. The Council also heard from the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority and recognized Alejandra Roggero as Whittier’s first Poet Laureate.

Public comment later broadened into several other city issues, including tree protections, labor negotiations, Flock camera concerns, data centers, and rent protections.

Whittier 360 News Network is continuing to monitor tonight’s meeting.