Pride Month Comes to a Close: Highlights and Gratitude

Dear District Five Resident,

As Pride Month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what an inspiring few weeks it has been for our community. Beginning with the ceremonial rainbow lighting of the County Government Center to walking in the Pride Parade, it was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community— from the trailblazers who helped shape the movement to young people carrying its legacy forward.

This Pride Month was especially meaningful for me because I was deeply honored to be recognized as a 2026 Pride Month Honoree by the California LGBTQ Caucus. As someone who grew up without a lot of openly LGBTQ+ public figures to look up to, I hope that by serving openly and leading with my values, I can inspire young LGBTQ+ people to see that they, too, can be leaders and that their voices belong wherever decisions are made.

This is especially important at a time when the federal administration is threatening the basic human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in states across the country.

I am proud that our County continues to step up and honor its long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community through visible leadership, inclusive policies, community partnerships, and services. Read more Pride Month highlights below.

In community,

Monica Martinez

Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 5

2026 Pride Month Honoree: California LGBTQ Caucus

Supervisor Martinez recognized as 2026 Pride Month Honoree standing with Assembly Member Chris Ward, Senator John Laird, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limon, and Senator Sabrina Cervantes.

I was deeply honored to be recognized as a 2026 Pride Month Honoree by the California LGBTQ Caucus on June 22 for my contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. I was among 15 Californians from across the state to receive this recognition at the California State Capitol during the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus’s annual Pride Month celebration.

This recognition is deeply meaningful to me. Growing up in a conservative family in Bakersfield, I did not see many openly LGBTQ+ leaders in public life, and I understand how powerful representation can be, especially for young people who are still learning who they are and where they belong.

As the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, I carry that responsibility with a great sense of pride and purpose. I hope my leadership helps LGBTQ+ people to see that they belong in every space where decisions are being made, including government and public service, and that our voices and lived experiences strengthen our communities.

I want to thank Senator John Laird and the members of the California LGBTQ Caucus for selecting me to receive this great honor.

Pride Month Kick Off: Building Lighting Ceremony

Supervisor Martinez stands outside the rainbow-lit County Government Center to kick off 2026 Pride Month.

I kicked off Pride Month in Santa Cruz County with the second annual ceremonial rainbow lighting of the County Government Center. I was joined by Adam Spickler, the first out trans man elected in California, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Justin Cummings and Kim De Serpa, and Dinah Phillips and Gail Groves, the first same-sex couple married at the County Government Center in 2008, following California’s recognition of marriage equality. Dinah and Gail were also selected as the Grand Marshals of the Pride Parade, alongside California State Assembly Member Gail Pellerin—a fitting tribute of their important place in our community’s history.

While lighting the building in rainbow colors was a joyful event, it was also a powerful statement. Santa Cruz County, as your local government, remains committed to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness regardless of who they love or how they identify. During the month of June, the rainbow-lit building served as a powerful reminder that our LGBTQ+ community is valued, welcomed, and celebrated here in Santa Cruz County.

Celebrating at the Pride Parade

Santa Cruz Ciunty Board of Supervisors Manu Koenig, Monica Martinez, and Kim De Serpa walk in the 2026 Pride Parade in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Pride Parade marks a longstanding tradition in our community—as the third oldest Pride event in California and the largest on the Central Coast, it often marks the start of the statewide Pride celebrations on the first Sunday in June.

This year, I was proud to walk alongside fellow Santa Cruz County Supervisors Manu Koenig and Kim De Serpa, as well as County staff to show our commitment and support of the LGBTQ+ community. I also joined California State Assembly Member Gail Pellerin at a celebration in Abbots Square where I spoke about the importance of making sure every person in our community feels seen, respected, and supported. Not only is Pride a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions and resilience, but it is also a reminder that we must continue to work together to protect equal rights, foster belonging, and stand up against discrimination.

It was a wonderful week of celebrating love, belonging, and the freedom to be yourself. Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared their stories, and helped make Pride so special.