"Silencing the Rainbow": Fresno County Policy Threatens More Than Pride

Fresno County Supervisors Consider Controversial Policy on Event Participation

Fresno County supervisors faced a heated debate during a recent meeting over a proposed policy that would dictate how county departments can participate in community events and celebrations, including Pride Month. The discussion drew a large crowd of residents who voiced concerns about the potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

The meeting was packed with attendees, many of whom expressed their worries about the policy’s implications. One resident, Russ Zokaites, a music teacher at Fresno State, attended the meeting with his husband, Logan McLeod, and their child. Zokaites said he was concerned about the policy, which he believes targets the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are actively seeking to suppress voices, they are actively seeking to silence us,” McLeod said. Zokaites added that Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, who represents their district, has an anti-LGBTQ+ platform that doesn’t support his family.

The controversy began in June when Bredefeld requested an audit by the Fresno County Administrative Office after he claimed nearly $6,000 in county funds were spent on the Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival. He argued that the county should stop promoting such events and avoid what he called “indoctrination” of children.

Bredefeld had previously proposed an administrative order requiring board approval before spending money on community events. Alongside Supervisor Nathan Magsig, he now supports limiting the events in which county agencies can participate.

Fresno County Administrative Officer (CAO) Paul Nerland noted that there is currently no written policy governing what county departments celebrate. During the meeting, the board was presented with three options for voting:

1. Departments must bring proposed celebrations before the board for approval.
2. County holidays and any additional events approved by the CAO.
3. Celebrations strictly limited to board-approved holidays and proclamations.

Supervisor Brian Pacheco raised concerns about the potential impact of the policy, saying it would not just affect Pride Month but other community events as well. He argued that county departments are professionals who should make decisions regarding public health or other events, rather than having the board micromanage every celebration.

Pacheco also emphasized that the policy could lead to exclusion, as it might not account for all community needs. “As one speaker said, her values are not my values,” he said, highlighting the diversity of perspectives within the community.

The list of holidays that Fresno County will recognize includes:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Cesar Chavez Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Under option 1, if a county agency wants to participate in an event outside this list, it would need to submit the event six months to a year in advance for the board to approve it. Pacheco criticized this approach, arguing that it would limit the county’s ability to represent all people, not just personal beliefs.

The board ultimately voted three to two to explore option 1, asking the CAO to draft a clearer and less ambiguous policy. The discussion will return on September 9 or 23 for final approval of the policy.

Residents who attended the meeting vowed to continue showing up to have their voices heard. They believe the policy could have far-reaching consequences for how the county engages with the community and celebrates diverse cultural events.