Inclusive proclamation first of its kind for City of Cape Girardeau

Inclusive proclamation first of its kind for City of Cape Girardeau

At most every meeting of the Cape Girardeau City Council, the municipal officials endorse various causes, organizations and people by proclaiming Mental Health Awareness Month or Public Works Week or saluting Southeast Missouri State University on its sesquicentennial.

The group, at its Monday, June 5, meeting proclaimed — through council member Dan Presson acting in Mayor Stacy Kinder's absence — June to be Pride Month in Cape Girardeau.

Pride Month, designated in June across the United States and elsewhere around the world, celebrates and commemorates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The designation is about 50 years old and highlights efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

The text of the city's proclamation spells out its rationale.

The city "cherishes the value and dignity of each person and recognizes the importance of equality".

"It is important that people in our community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel valued, safe, empowered and included.

"We support the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination and welcome a diverse population and vibrant community.

"The City of Cape Girardeau recognizes Pride Month and endeavors to provide support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus community and encourages everyone to engage in dialogue to educate and actively reflect upon and promote the principles of equality, unity and tolerance."

Shannon Farris, a mental health professional who works with Cape Girardeau Police Department's special mental health response unit, said he advocated for the issue but harbored no illusions about city officials endorsing the proclamation.

"It's never been done before. The City of Cape Girardeau had never done that before," he said.

Farris said the city's "stamp of approval" is an important message to the LGBTQ+ community.

"This (says) that we take care of our own. This sends the message that, 'You may be struggling, but we will take care of you.' It sends the message that we will continue to make the city a safe and secure place for you," he continued, noting recent interactions with transgender people in the community who have expressed concern for their safety.

Farris said council member Shannon Truxel, who represents Ward 5, helped the proclamation come to fruition. Truxel did not respond to requests for comment.

Not every city official was happy with the process of the city's endorsement.

"It was my understanding that this was the decision of Mayor (Stacy) Kinder," council member Robbie Guard, who represents Ward 4, said in emailed comment. "I was not contacted prior to the meeting by Mayor Kinder or any other council member in regard to the proclamation. In situations like these, communication and transparency are key. I was disappointed that I was not involved in the process."

Kinder said the proclamation focuses on equality and support for all.

"After discussing it with several council members (not all), plus several staff members, I worked with staff on the wording," she wrote in emailed comments. "We wanted the focus of the proclamation to be on several key points: a) the equality and legal rights afforded to the gay community (and everyone else, for that matter) that the City of Cape upholds; b) the contributions the gay community bring to our city on a daily basis; and c) the importance of tolerance to our community as we respectfully live alongside those with whom we may disagree (for any one of a thousand issues)."

Kinder noted LGBTQ+ issues have generated controversy in some locales of late.

"I understand that this whole issue is taking on some extra controversy lately, as various companies are seeing boycotts for perceived support, education or marketing. I would urge everyone to read the actual proclamation. With it, the City of Cape is saying that we hold all of our citizens in equal regard, and we recognize and appreciate the diversity of our community as a whole, and the many contributions that diversity brings to our everyday lives," she wrote.

The mayor further explained that potential proclamations arise from various sources.

"Proclamations are generally brought forth to the staff and mayor for consideration from members of the community who are usually actively involved in some kind of work, and wish to see that work or an issue highlighted. I get further input on those issues from other council members and city staff," she said.

Council members Tameka Randle, Nate Thomas, Dan Presson and Mark Bliss did not respond to a request for comment.