Sturgeon Bay Declares June Open Door Pride Month

Sturgeon Bay – In keeping with Pride Months declared across the country for the month of June, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council has proclaimed June as Open Door Pride Month in honor of the local organization that supports all LGBTQIA+ people who live in and visit Door County.

Mayor David Ward read the proclamation that resolved to recognize the contributions and challenges of LGBTQIA+ people, and to provide a safe, supportive, welcoming place that’s free from discrimination for all people to live, work and visit.

Four people spoke during the public-comment period thanking the council for the proclamation. The speakers included Cathy Grier, president of Open Door Pride. 

“Having this proclamation every year has given people hope,” Grier said. “They feel seen; they feel represented.”

Tying the proclamation to the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department the previous day, Ward said that all those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during our nation’s wars had done so to preserve a freedom to live the way we want.

“Lifestyle doesn’t matter under freedom,” Ward said. “It’s very important that we remember that.”

President Joe Biden and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers have also proclaimed June as Pride Month.