Dear Editor,
I write with great concern over the actions of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors in this designation of June as “Nuclear Family Month”. This is troubling, as it clearly is an overstep of the duties, responsibilities and roles of this board. This is a big government move. As a person who has spent the majority of my life conservative, I believe in small government. To see this attempt to reach into family life is frustrating.
This designation discriminates against families who do not fall under these Supervisors’ idea of a “Nuclear” family model, including single mothers who work hard to take care of their children, oftentimes having been abandoned or escaping abusive situations. Single Dads. Families who have gone through divorce. Everyone who falls under these family models should be highly offended.
It also excludes all LGBTQ+ families, which of course we all KNOW is their purpose. It’s the entire purpose of this designation, and it’s petty. It’s shortsighted.
Do you know why June is declared Pride Month by organizations (not government)? It’s because LGBTQ+ people have been denied their equal rights. They have been criminalized, bullied, beaten and killed. They are celebrating equality and lobbying for their rights.
Do you know who has never been denied their rights? Nuclear families. Heterosexual, white couples. It’s ALWAYS been okay to be straight. It’s ALWAYS been okay to be a “nuclear” family by their definition. It’s simple. We don’t NEED a Nuclear Family Month. Every month throughout history has been Nuclear Family Month.
This Board must represent ALL Fresno County residents with fairness and equality, not push their personal moral agenda. If these Supervisors want to start a social or religious organization and designate an exclusive “Nuclear Family Month” for their people, that’s their business. What happens on the Board of Supervisors is ours.