The ability for Fresno County departments to celebrate cultural, LGBTQ+, and community heritage events may soon be sharply curtailed, after a 3 to 2 vote Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors moved forward a policy that will stifle inclusivity and silence underrepresented voices.
The proposed changes would require department heads to seek advance approval – potentially up to a year in advance – from the Board of Supervisors before recognizing or participating in community celebrations like Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Black History Month, and others. For decades, departments have had the discretion to engage with and support the communities they serve. That autonomy is now under threat.
The effort, led by Garry Bredefeld, reflects a growing movement among some conservative politicians to roll back recognition of LGBTQ+ rights and diversity efforts under the guise of remaining “apolitical.” Yet Bredefeld’s own remarks at Tuesday’s meeting revealed a far more ideologically driven motivation. He described gender-affirming care as “insanity,” dismissed transgender identities as “stupidity,” and disparaged inclusive language and LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces.
“This is about censorship and control,” said Supervisor Luis Chavez, who voted against the measure. “Our staff are trained professionals who know how to best serve our community. This policy opens us up to discrimination and selective enforcement based on politics.”
Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who also opposed the proposal, questioned its supposed neutrality. “We should be neutral and not political,” he said. “And this policy is anything but.”
Community members overwhelmingly voiced opposition during public comment. Among them was Fresno State assistant professor Russ Zokaites, who attended with his husband and their adopted son. “This would directly affect our family,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining a county government that is welcoming and affirming of all its residents. “I think it’s really important that we maintain the mission of the county—being open, diverse, and accepting.”
The new restrictions would not only impact celebrations, but also control how discretionary funds are used for public events. This could muzzle departments from engaging with the diverse populations they serve and will effectively erase marginalized groups from public visibility.
Even though Bredefeld insisted LGBTQ+ literature would remain in libraries, he has repeatedly attacked Pride displays and sought to limit any visible acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ existence in county spaces – adding fuel to growing concerns about censorship and government overreach.
Supporters of the policy were sparse. One was Tammy McMahon Gorans, a school teacher. She invoked the story of Chloe Cole, a vocal anti-trans activist, to support restrictions on LGBTQ+ recognition – framing the move as protecting children from “inappropriate” content.
But opponents argue the real danger lies in using isolated narratives and political fear-mongering to erase entire communities.
“This policy sends a chilling message,” said one local resident after the meeting. “That some people don’t belong here. That some celebrations, some families, some identities—aren’t welcome in Fresno County.”
Stay engaged as this policy will come back to the board in an upcoming meeting, most likely in September. Text ADVOCATE to 5598621040 to join our advocacy text alert list.
