FORT BRAGG, CA., 6/24/25 — Fort Bragg made history this June as the city hosted its first Pride parade through the downtown on Saturday. Franklin and Laurel streets and Redwood Avenue were adorned with vibrant Pride flags — a powerful symbol of visibility and solidarity.
Spectators lined the sidewalks, cheering and waving as marchers made their way to the Larry Spring Commons, where live music, dancing and community festivities awaited.
Mayor Jason Godeke marked the occasion by reading the city’s official proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQI+ Pride Month.
The City Council’s proclamation acknowledged the growing threats faced by LGBTQI+ communities, stating, “The rights of LGBTQI+ Americans are under relentless attack.” It cited ongoing discrimination — particularly against people of color and transgender individuals — and called attention to efforts aimed at limiting access to health care and other essential rights.
“These unconscionable attacks have left countless LGBTQI+ families in fear and pain,” the proclamation reads. It called on Fort Bragg residents to reflect on how they can foster a culture of respect, understanding and inclusion.
Among the attendees was Gilly Irwin, who recently returned to Fort Bragg after several years away. She reunited with Mayor Godeke, a former classmate from their school days in Mendocino.
“There has always been a community here,” Irwin said, “but not out loud.”
Cynthia and Reyna Coupé, co-founders of the Mendocino County Safe Space Program, played key roles in organizing the parade and related events. The program, launched last year, provides LGBTQI+ inclusion and sensitivity training across Mendocino County.
“My dad, Jim Coupé, was one of the co-founders of the Mendocino Fourth of July Parade in 1976,” said Cynthia Coupé. “It’s ironic that I helped launch this parade — another first. I’m overwhelmed with the success of this event. It was beyond our expectations. We had close to 200 people here, and more joined the march.”
She added, “Our community was able to take a deep breath and enjoy themselves. In today’s political climate, there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty. We live in a place that can be conservative and not always accepting of our queer community members. But our allies were here with us. We are all an integral part of this community. We are stronger together.”
After reading the proclamation, Godeke delivered a personal and emotional speech.
“Why does such a proclamation matter today?” he said. “City Council has made similar proclamations over the years. But things felt pretty different this time. Today, committing to inclusion — or even just stating a belief in diversity and equality — feels necessary and urgent.
“That we should have to reclaim or defend those concepts, whether in a school, a town or a nation, is a tragedy. They’re so basic. So fundamental.”
Godeke also spoke of his mother and her wife, who traveled to California to legally marry before the U.S. Supreme Court extended marriage rights nationwide. His mother, seated beside Cristina and Jason Godeke at the event, served as a poignant reminder of the personal stakes behind the fight for equality.
“When I need to put myself in a hopeful frame of mind, I think of my mom,” Godeke said. “She and her wife became a couple 41 years ago, but they weren’t able to get married until that brief legal window in California in 2008. The very next day, Proposition 8 made it illegal again. But bit by bit, hope and determination moved the needle. Seven years later, it became legal in all 50 states.”
“Right now, it really feels like we can’t take any progress for granted,” he added. “But I have to hope that things can and do get better.”
Across the country, a wave of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation continues to target transgender youth and their families, threatening civil rights and basic dignity. But in Fort Bragg, the message was clear: love, pride and community have a home here.
I would like to acknowledge that the 1st annual Pride march and the subsequent celebrations were made possible by the MCSSP Mendocino County Safe Space Project. We are deeply grateful for the support of our board members, sponsors, and volunteers from the vibrant communities that embrace and celebrate diversity.
I always thought most people supported the idea that what you did in your own bedroom was your own business. Not the business of government and not the business of a gossiping community. Apparently, I am out of date. Now we are all supposed to go out on the street to parade and protest what people do in their private bedrooms. Oh, don’t forget to dress up like a clown while you are out there! But, but, does this really make any sense?
Disgusting to flaunt your sexuality in front of everyone. Keep your habits to yourself and don’t expect everyone to be ok with your sins.