We are proud to serve LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and residents in communities throughout Wisconsin,including Marathon County. Through Proud Theater-Wausau, we served 15 youth through our weekly programming and reached 300+ community members through our end-of-year show, performance at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Day Community Banquet, and our educational programming. We are proud to be an active member of the Wausau and greater Marathon County community.
We proudly support the proposal for Marathon County to formally recognize June as Pride Month and hope to see it pass the full County Board. We work with marginalized members from around Marathon County throughout the year and know the positive impact that this will have. Queer people still face a great deal of oppression. Though we have achieved marriage equality, many people still face harassment daily. And though there are protections from discrimination due to sexual orientation in Wisconsin, transgender people still are not protected from discrimination in employment, education, or housing in this state. Not only is there a lack of protections at the state level, but we continue to see a push for rolling back protections at the federal level.
There are countless studies that provide data showing the impact that daily harassment and discrimination have on queer youth. They are far more likely to consider and attempt suicide than their straight and cisgender peers, and are far less likely to feel accepted and included. While one statement by the County Board may not address all of the systemic oppression that the queer community continues to face, it is a step in the right direction. By recognizing June as Pride Month, Marathon County recognizes the struggles that the queer community still faces. In doing so, the County defies hate and celebrates diversity. For these reasons and countless more, we proudly support this proposal. We urge members of the Marathon County Board to support it as well.
Here is the statement with executive director and board signatures.