At Tuesday’s Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune and the city council made a significant announcement: they have officially named June as Gay Pride Month. This declaration was met with enthusiastic support from many members of the LGBTQ+ community who attended the meeting. Their presence highlighted the importance of this month for visibility, advocacy, and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and rights.
In the City of Myrtle Beach, the LGBTQ+ community is actively represented by the Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commission. This commission plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of the LGBTQ+ population, ensuring that their voices are heard within the local government and beyond. Through various initiatives, they strive to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes Gay Pride Month equality for all in the rainbow community.
Tania Appel presently serves as the chair of the Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commission. Alongside her are esteemed members including Cedric Blain-Spain, Nora Hutchison, Adam Hayes, Veronica Walters, Danette Patton, and Terry Livingston. Each member brings their unique perspective and expertise to the commission, contributing to its mission of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. However, there are currently some vacancies within the commission that the city is looking to fill, providing an opportunity for more community members to get involved in this important work.
Several members of the LGBTQ+ community spoke passionately in support of the decision to name June as Gay Pride Month. However, during the discussions, some community members raised important questions regarding the lack of statues or monuments in the city that recognize the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions and history. This conversation emphasized the need for more visibility and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals and their history within Myrtle Beach.
In addition to the declaration, several attendees expressed their desire for the City of Myrtle Beach to take a more proactive approach in marketing itself as an “LGBTQ+ Friendly” destination for tourists. They emphasized that by actively promoting this identity, the city could attract more visitors who seek inclusive environments. Recognizing June as Gay Pride Month remains a central focus for the Mayor and council, paving the way for potential initiatives that could align with this month-long celebration of pride.
Gay Pride Month – Mayor Bethune is a strong Child Transgender Surgery activist
Notably, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune has become a vocal advocate for Child transgender rights, specifically focusing on issues surrounding child transgender surgery. This background has led to heightened expectations from the LGBTQ+ community for more substantive actions and policies that support LGBTQ+ rights. The community looks to her leadership for guidance and hope that her advocacy will translate into meaningful initiatives that benefit all members of the LGBTQ+ population.
As a result of these developments, Myrtle Beach has emerged as one of the most liberal cities in South Carolina. This shift reflects the changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in the region and showcases the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The city believes the designation of June as Gay Pride Month is a critical step in recognizing and celebrating the diverse identities within the community, while also encouraging further dialogue and action to support LGBTQ+ individuals in Myrtle Beach.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
