JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville is looking for people to join its LGBTQ+ advisory board.
It was recently established by Mayor Donna Deegan after she signed an executive order making it possible.
“I’m proud to be from the city,” Cindy Nobles, the president of PFLAG Jacksonville said.
PFLAG is an organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people.
On the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the City of Jacksonville outlined what the board will do when responding to someone.
“This board will be made up of 11 individuals who will act as a liaison between the LGBTQ+ community and City government. The board will report to the Mayor and the City Council, including an annual report with findings and recommendations,” the post stated.
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“Well honestly in some aspects we’re just now catching up under this administration,” Nobles said. “Mayor Deegan promised to lead this city with love and acceptance and inclusion for all and that’s what she’s doing.”
To be a member of the board you have to meet certain criteria.
- Expertise in understanding the issues and affairs of the LGBTQ+ community
- Diversity of background (a mix of community, business, faith, and academic leaders)
- Passion to serve in the community
- Reside in or have a significant interest in Duval County
With Jacksonville creating this advisory board, it puts it on the same level as cities like Atlanta, Houston and Miami.
This announcement also came a month after the city officially recognized June as Pride Month, for the first time.
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With the recognition and the city asking for people to join the advisory Nobles said she’s proud to see a mayor stepping up and filling a gap.
She also added she hasn’t decided if she’d apply to be on the board.
The deadline to apply to be on the board is Aug. 9.
Information about the application can be found here.