COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Today, California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) released the following statement after kicking off Pride in the Southern California desert region.
In collaboration with CalWild and Friends of the Desert Mountains (Friends), the Protect California Deserts coalition to establish Chuckwalla National Monument was joined by LGBTQ+ community members, friends, and allies on a trip to Chuckwalla.
The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument includes approximately 627,000 acres of public lands located south of Joshua Tree National Park and reaching from the Coachella Valley region in the west to near the Colorado River in the East. This effort also proposes protecting approximately 17,000 acres of public lands in the Eagle Mountains adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park.
“Too often, marginalized communities, including queer individuals, feel excluded from outdoor spaces due to concerns about safety, comfort, and lack of representation. Our coalition is committed to changing that by creating a welcoming environment for queer residents to explore the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “We’re thrilled by the community’s energy as we prepare for designation. Different parts of the community, especially the LGBTQ+ community ahead of their Pride celebration, are showing how important this monument is. Queer folks have always been vital to protecting these spaces—this is a celebration of that legacy. We’re excited to inspire future generations to join us in exploring and protecting public lands.”
As we establish public lands, it is essential that we work to expand access to nature for everyone, particularly marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ people. Federal agencies have recognized this and have expressed commitment to telling the history of all Americans, validating that LGBTQ+ history lives everywhere, including in many national parks and monuments. We’re proud to have 576 LGBTQ+ community members and allies signed onto our support letter for the monument’s designation.
“We’re here, we’re queer, and we are outside appreciating all this fabulous desert has to offer. We love our public lands, and we want to protect them– to enjoy now and in the future. From the scenic beauty, to the relics of our pioneer past and the history of our native peoples who still share a strong connection and bond to these lands — the lands of their ancestors — Chuckwalla is special,” said Desert Hot Springs Councilman Gary Gardner. “We urge President Biden to use his powers under the Antiquities Act to designate these lands as the Chuckwalla National Monument, so everyone, gay and straight, can continue to appreciate its beauty and history.”
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CONTACT:
Erika Guzman Cornejo
310-755-1615
erika@envirovoters.org
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ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
ABOUT VALLEY VOTERS PAC
Established in the summer of 2020, Valley Voters PAC is dedicated to elect environmental justice and public health champions across the Central Valley. Valley Voters PAC’s goal is to protect public lands and ensure clean air and water for all communities. The PAC seeks to engage and educate local voters, encouraging volunteering and driving voter turnout.
