Undemocratic and Discriminatory: St. Cloud Council's Proclamation Halt Silences LGBTQ+ Community

Bozanich Photography
May 27
5 min read

The St. Cloud City Council recently made a decision that threatens to silence community voices and undermine the very democratic process. In a move that lacked public debate or a vote, the Council placed a moratorium on all future proclamations, effectively blocking the crucial June 2025 Pride Month Proclamation planned for June 12, 2025. Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher has released a powerful statement condemning this action, and I've also personally reached out to the City Council to express deep concern.

In this article:

DEPUTY MAYOR, SHAWN FLETCHER, PRESS RELEASE (MAY 27, 2025)
MY LETTER TO ST. CLOUD CITY COUNCIL (MAY 26, 2025)
CONCLUSIONS
ST. CLOUD CITY COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION

MAY 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher Responds to Proclamation Moratorium: Calls for Transparency, Fairness, and Respect for Community Recognition

ST. CLOUD, FL — Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher issued the following statement today, in response to a recent decision by the St. Cloud City Council to halt all proclamations:

“At the most recent City Council Workshop, a discussion was raised regarding the City’s proclamation policy, ultimately resulting in a moratorium on all future proclamations. This decision, made without a public vote or open debate, is deeply concerning, not just because of its timing, but because it undermines the democratic process and community engagement.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one proclamation. This unilateral decision impacts every group seeking to be recognized for their contributions to St. Cloud, from veterans’ organizations and civic clubs to cultural and heritage groups. Proclamations are about honoring the people who give back, who uplift, who shape our city’s identity. Taking this opportunity away from them is not just shortsighted, it’s harmful.

These matters should never be decided behind closed doors. In fact, this very issue was raised last year, and the proclamation policy was revised at that time to address the same concerns. There was a clear and deliberate effort then to bring fairness and structure to the process. Reigniting the same debate now, while ignoring the existing improvements, suggests ulterior motives rather than genuine governance.

I have a scheduled proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month in the City of St. Cloud, a meaningful and longstanding tradition that honors the community, celebrates inclusion, and uplifts the vital contributions of countless individuals and organizations. Halting this proclamation, along with all others, sends a troubling message: that some communities are less worthy of acknowledgment and visibility. This is not just an administrative decision, it is a reflection of who we choose to value and recognize as a city.

At the City Council Special Meeting held on May 27th, 2025, the Council refused to withdraw the moratorium at the request of Deputy Mayor Fletcher, and refused to even bring to a vote proclamations already scheduled for June 12, 2025. This action confirms that the moratorium was not merely procedural, but targeted — and its impact deeply personal for the communities it silences.

This is not how we lead. We are elected to serve openly, to uplift all residents, and to reflect the full fabric of our city. I urge my colleagues to reconsider this decision, restore the ability for Council Members to bring proclamations forward publicly, and recommit to the values of transparency, fairness, and respect.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Office of Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher

Email: shawn.fletcher@stcloudfl.gov

Phone: 407-957-8405

PRIOR to Deputy Mayor's press release,

I wrote to St. Cloud's City Council the following:

MAY 26, 2025

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding the recent decision on May 20th to place a moratorium on all proclamations, effectively preventing the Pride Proclamation for June 2025 from moving forward as planned. This action sends a deeply troubling message to the LGBTQ+ residents of St. Cloud and undermines the progress our city has made towards inclusivity in just the past few years.

Last year's Pride Proclamation was a significant moment for our community, being a clear demonstration of respect, support, and commitment from our city's leadership. It acknowledged the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated their profound resilience and contributions, and affirmed our city's dedication to equality and fairness for all. To delay or deny this year's proclamation is to ignore the voices of our LGBTQ+ citizens and to erase the progress we have collectively achieved.

The previously adopted Pride Proclamation clearly articulated the principles our city should uphold and continue to uphold:

Commitment to dignity and respect for all, free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
Recognition of the ongoing struggles and triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community.
Acknowledgement of the profound resilience and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.
A belief that the future of our city is intrinsically linked to the principles of equality, respect, and fairness for all citizens.

A Pride Proclamation is far more than just words on paper. It is a vital symbol of acceptance that directly impacts the lives and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in St. Cloud. It fosters a more inclusive community environment and signals that all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are valued and protected.

To suddenly halt this essential recognition, especially as June — Pride Month — approaches, is a step backward for our city. It sends a message that the contributions and well-being of our LGBTQ+ residents are not a priority.

I urge you to consider expediting the process to resume proclamations and allow the Pride Proclamation for June 2025 to be presented at the June 12th City Council Meeting as originally planned.

Let's not lose the momentum we gained last year! Instead, let us reaffirm our commitment to being a city where all residents feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Kristina Bozanich

CONCLUSIONS

The path forward for St. Cloud, with this decision hanging over it, appears deeply concerning for our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. When a city council chooses to unilaterally halt meaningful proclamations, especially those designed to uplift specific communities, it signals a deeper disregard for the democratic process and the very people it claims to serve. This isn't just about a piece of paper; it's about the emotional and symbolic impact of being denied recognition, of feeling silenced in your own city. The long-term consequence of such actions is a less inclusive, less compassionate St. Cloud – a future we must actively work to prevent by continuing to demand accountability and true representation.

With love and pride,