In a continuation of troubling public statements and policy maneuvers, Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld has launched a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Under the guise of “neutrality” and “good governance,” Bredefeld is seeking to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, target vital public health outreach, and restrict visibility of LGBTQ+ people in county spaces like libraries.
What began as quiet administrative changes has now become a full-blown public campaign. Bredefeld’s recent social media post proudly boasts of removing DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) language from Fresno County job listings and slamming county departments for spending a modest $6,000 on safer sex supplies—rainbow-themed condoms and lube—distributed at Fresno Pride Parade.
“Government should be focused on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and providing essential services—not promoting political agendas or activism,” Bredefeld wrote, calling the Pride outreach “completely unacceptable.”
But the LGBTQ+ community and public health experts, the real issue is not wasteful spending or political activism—it’s the deliberate targeting of LGBTQ+ people under the pretext of neutrality.
At the heart of Bredefeld’s current outrage is the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s long-standing participation in Pride events. Staff handed out safer sex supplies, stylized fans, and pamphlets—tools used to prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs.
The custom-printed condoms bore the Fresno County logo, and the department’s outreach was consistent with its mission: provide accessible, effective public health services to all county residents.
Diana Oliva, a local health advocate, defended the outreach effort. “It becomes an insurmountable burden for Fresno County taxpayers if we’re not preventing HIV or sexually transmitted infections,” she said. “This was a cost-effective, trusted way to reach the community.”
Bredefeld, however, framed it differently: “Taxpayer money should not be used to facilitate lube and condoms so people can engage in sexual activity.”
To public health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocates, such language is both stigmatizing and dangerous. Condoms are not an endorsement of sex—they are an essential part of disease prevention and a critical element in public outreach, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by STDs, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Bredefeld’s crusade doesn’t end with health outreach. He is also targeting the county’s libraries, specifically criticizing Pride Month displays and posters.
“It is inappropriate for public County libraries to promote ‘Pride Month’… without it being approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors,” he said. “Children deserve to be able to go to the library without any political ideology being forced upon them.”
But LGBTQ+ representation in public spaces is not political ideology—it’s visibility. It’s a message to youth and adults alike that they are seen, valued, and respected. Pride Month displays are common across the nation, celebrating the contributions, history, and resilience of LGBTQ+ people. To call such inclusion “political” while continuing to support other types of public celebrations and cultural programming is, itself, a political choice—one that favors erasure.
A Chilling New Policy to be voted on July 8th
On July 8, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a new policy that would require board approval for any future spending on community events or observances—effectively giving politicians a veto over public health and educational outreach.
Bredefeld has already confirmed that he would vote to block future Pride-related materials or library displays, and the new policy is widely seen as a way to ensure that LGBTQ+ representation is systematically excluded from county departments.
County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland drafted the policy, and it could affect not just Pride participation, but outreach efforts tied to other communities as well—raising concerns about broader censorship and micromanagement of county services.
A Community Under Attack
These moves are not happening in a vacuum. Across the country, LGBTQ+ communities are seeing renewed attacks from lawmakers and local officials, with book bans, drag bans, anti-trans legislation, and restrictions on inclusive education.
Now, Fresno County is being dragged into that culture war. At a time when public health departments are already stretched thin and LGBTQ+ youth are facing rising levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk, this manufactured outrage over condoms and book displays threatens to deepen divisions and deprive vulnerable people of critical resources.
But there’s still time to speak out.
How to Get Involved
Concerned citizens are encouraged to make their voices heard:
- Attend the next Board of Supervisors Meeting:
- Tuesday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m.
- Hall of Records Building, 2281 Tulare Street, Third Floor, Fresno
- Email your public comment:
- [email protected]
- Subject: “Proposed Event and Outreach Policy”
- Sample message: “I strongly oppose any policy that restricts Fresno County departments from participating in health-related community outreach or acknowledging Pride Month. Our LGBTQ+ neighbors deserve visibility, respect, and public services that reflect the diversity of our county.”
- Call your Supervisor to express concern about any effort to silence or stigmatize LGBTQ+ communities under the guise of neutrality.
Final Thoughts
At a moment when Fresno County should be focused on inclusivity, wellness, and service for all residents, one Supervisor is pushing an agenda that targets the LGBTQ+ community and threatens to undermine basic public health strategies. The message from the community must be loud and clear: LGBTQ+ people belong here. Pride is not political—it’s personal, and it’s powerful.
Enough is enough.
