Holly Springs mayor rejects gay Pride month proclamation

Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie told community members Tuesday night the town won’t issue a Pride Month proclamation recognizing the LGBTQ rights celebration.

“I think our actions as a town speak louder than the words,” Mayefskie said. “And that’s the reason for my decision.”

Dozens of residents attended the Town Council meeting. Several asked for a Pride proclamation and for Holly Springs to sign onto Wake County’s non-discrimination ordinance, which includes protections for LGBTQ people.

Mayefskie limited public comment in the meeting to seven speakers, citing time constraints. Speakers were selected in order of registration.

Former Town Council candidate Carrie Randa spoke in favor of a Pride Month proclamation and the non-discrimination ordinance, saying the town’s inaction saddened her. She referenced statistics that show lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth are less likely to attempt suicide if they live in an accepting town.

“In this inaction, one can only conclude that Holly Springs has decided that some of its most vulnerable citizens are just not worth the effort and don’t require the same protections afforded to everyone else,” Randa said. “Pride Month is a time of celebration and also a time to draw attention to the need to continue to fight for full equality for all of our citizens.”

The mayor did issue a proclamation during Tuesday’s meeting for Juneteenth, recognizing the holiday and its significance to the African-American community.

‘Pride month propaganda’

Of the seven people allowed to speak, only resident Steve Schneider spoke against a Pride proclamation.

“For the month of June, I am forced to change the channel, visit stores less frequently, turn off the radio and bite my tongue in the name of being nice — all to protect myself and my children and my family from Pride Month propaganda,” Schneider said. “No more. Love your neighbor, tell the truth, pray and do not proclaim June as Pride Month. Be humble instead.”

The council also received 18 written comments in favor of a Pride proclamation and a non-discrimination ordinance, and three comments against an ordinance.

Mayefskie defended his decision not to issue a proclamation for Pride Month, saying Holly Springs remains a town with inclusive and diverse policies with inclusive businesses.

Non-discrimination ordinance

Council member Aaron Wolff spoke in favor of a proclamation and non-discrimination ordinance.

“We need this because we know it has value,” Wolff said. “We have heard from residents why they think the proclamation had value. I’ve heard from my LGBTQ neighbors and the families of youth — transgender, LGBTQ youth in this town — and they have told me that it has value.”

According to Wolff, council members will talk more about the Wake County ordinance at its June 14 meeting.

Wolff noted the ordinance not only provides protection for members of the LGBTQ community but also protects against discrimination based on ethnicity, race, natural hair and hairstyles, pregnancy, veteran status, disability and more.

“It is unclear to me if everyone who reached out to us against this ordinance had a full and clear understanding of exactly what they were campaigning against,” he said. “We will have more discussion about this.”

Tuesday night’s discussion comes as a drag queen story hour event, part of the Apex Pride Festival, was canceled. Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert cited a “variety of feedback” from citizens as the reason for the cancellation.

In lieu of an official Pride proclamation, Wolff personally wished members of the LGBTQ community a happy Pride Month during the Town Council Meeting.

“We join you in celebrating your life, your love and your contributions to our community,” Wolff said. “And to the young LGBTQ folks who are here and who maybe be listening, please know you are safe, you are valued and you’ll always find support and a home in this community if you just simply look past those who would tell you otherwise.”

This story was originally published June 8, 2022 at 8:26 AM.