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The Hays County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation last week declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month.
“During Pride Month, we recognize and celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community,” according to the proclamation, “We reflect on the progress made toward equality, inclusion, and justice for all.
“Hays County affirms the values of freedom and fairness, and remains committed to fostering a community where all residents are welcomed, respected, and protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” reads the proclamation.
SMTX Pride Founder Sylvia Sandoval appeared at the Court to acknowledge her appreciation for the proclamation. “I know with these changing times, it's very important to have everybody have our back one way or the other,” Sandoval said. “So thank you.”
Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe stressed the importance of unity in her discussion of Pride Month.
“As we recognize Pride Month, it reminds me that we were taught early in life that we need to treat people with love and respect, compassion and kindness, and I think that still holds true today, and it's not just today, and not just this week or month, but it's every day,” Ingalsby said. “Regardless of our differences, we are better and stronger when we value each one's dignity in our community.”
The Commissioners Court continues to emphasize the importance of individual rights, according Pct. 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer. “This court has consistently supported the fair and equal treatment of everybody and everyone, and I will continue to push that forward,” she said.
Mutual support among fellow community members helps them identify with each other, said County Judge Ruben Becerra. “We can all have these ideas, we can all have these opinions, but when someone needs you and you show up, I think that's the icing on the cake,” Becerra said."When we see each other as someone's loved ones, then we can have more peace in our day.”
Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith expressed his support of the Pride Month proclamation and the Hays County employees it represents.
“I truly believe in the rights of every single individual, from a constitutional and a personal standpoint,” Smith said. “This resolution is important to a large number of our employees, and I'm happy to support it on their behalf today.”
“We honor those who paved the way for equality, as well as those who continue that work today, striving toward a future where everyone can live openly, authentically, and without fear,” reads the proclamation.
