From Franz Mussared Varga

Green County

To the Editor:

Rainbows and cows flew side by side this June as Green County celebrated its LGBTQIA+ citizens.

Pride month kicked off with an announcement before the Green County Board Meeting on June 11 reiterating June as Pride Month in Green County. The Green County Board initially declared June as Pride Month in Green County in 2023, symbolizing the board’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating LGBTQIA+ community members and fighting against the discrimination and inequities that impact LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Monroe High School (MHS) Pride Car Parade next took place in the historic square and streets of Monroe on Saturday, June 22. Despite the rainy weather, over a dozen decorated vehicles joined the pride motorcade which culminated in a pride celebration at Twining Park hosted by the Monroe High School Gay Straight Alliance. Attendees gathered resources around LGBTQIA+ representation and mental health resources, alongside refreshments and games.

The Green County Pride (GCP) team staffed a table at Brodhead’s Family Fest on Saturday June 29. GCP gladly shared rainbow flags, temporary tattoos, stickers, inclusive books, and educational resources with the citizens of Brodhead. Many thanks to the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce for making space for pride in the Brodhead community, and to the grandstand team for the foot-stomping live music and entertainment!

Pride doesn’t take place only during June! If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to Green County Pride at greencountypride@gmail.com to learn more about our community engagements and to attend our monthly meetings. To engage with the Brodhead SAFE club or Monroe High School Gay Straight Alliance, reach out to the club advisors at jgardipee@brodhead.k12.wi.us or carolynschultz@monroe.k12.wi.us respectively.