Lawrence declares June 2025 LGBTQIA plus bridal month and honors Delta Sigma Theta Psi chapter

In the heart of Lawrence, Kansas, the city hall buzzed with a sense of pride and celebration as the City Commission convened on June 3, 2025. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as community leaders and residents gathered to witness two significant proclamations that would resonate deeply within the fabric of the city.

The meeting began with a powerful proclamation declaring June as LGBTQIA+ Bridal Month. Shania Lopez Cabrera, the director of Lawrence Bridal, stood before the commissioners, flanked by supporters from the community. With heartfelt sincerity, she expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those in the transgender community. “This year has been difficult for our community,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing struggles against discrimination and violence. Cabrera urged the city to continue embodying its values of courage and inclusivity, reminding everyone that the upcoming celebrations would not only honor love but also serve as a vibrant protest against oppression.

As the proclamation was read, it underscored the historical significance of June, rooted in the Stonewall Inn Riot of 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQIA+ liberation movement. The vice mayor, Brad Finkeldey, emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting civil rights and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. The month would culminate in a parade on June 7, followed by a community party, inviting all residents to join in the festivities.

The meeting also recognized the centennial anniversary of the Psi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mikaela Holmes, representing the chapter, shared a brief history of its founding at the University of Kansas in 1925. She expressed gratitude for the city’s acknowledgment of their contributions to sisterhood, scholarship, and community service over the past century. The vice mayor read a proclamation honoring the chapter’s legacy and encouraging citizens to reflect on the values that have guided its mission.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of unity and celebration lingered in the air. The proclamations not only marked important milestones for the LGBTQIA+ community and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority but also reinforced Lawrence’s commitment to inclusivity and social progress. With events on the horizon, the city stands poised to celebrate its rich diversity, inviting all to partake in the vibrant tapestry that makes Lawrence a welcoming home for everyone.