By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/16/25 –
Palm Desert Pride Month Debate Draws Sharp Response from State Assembly Candidate
The Palm Desert City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. to consider whether to rescind the city’s official recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month and revisit its long-standing diversity and inclusion policy. The meeting was scheduled following heightened public response to a request made by Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto, who has argued the city should maintain what he describes as “government neutrality” rather than recognize specific communities through symbolic observances.
The proposal has ignited widespread backlash across the Coachella Valley, drawing condemnation from community leaders, residents, and elected officials from both parties. Among those speaking out is California State Assembly candidate Jason Byors, a Palm Springs resident and member of the LGBTQ+ community, who forcefully denounced Pradetto’s effort to remove Pride recognition and the Pride banner from Palm Desert City Hall.
Byors called the proposal an attempt to erase a visible symbol of inclusion, emphasizing that Pride Month and the Pride flag represent decades of struggle, resilience, and progress. He noted that public displays of support matter deeply—particularly for young people who may be grappling with their identity—because they signal safety, belonging, and acceptance within their own city.
“Celebrating diversity does not diminish anyone else,” Byors said, adding that inclusive communities are stronger communities. He urged the City Council to reject what he characterized as a step backward driven by political motives rather than shared civic values.
Byors joins a growing list of leaders opposing the rollback, including Republican Assemblymember Greg Wallis, underscoring the bipartisan concern surrounding the issue. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting remains uncertain, as Pradetto would need a majority of council votes to advance the proposal.
As public interest continues to grow, the decision is being closely watched as a defining moment for Palm Desert’s commitment to inclusion, representation, and equal recognition for all residents.
