conditions will improve over the summer and we could have several PRIDE events ,” said Bill Hoelscher , long-time board member and CEO of the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation . “ October is LGBT History Month so it will be a good time for the LGBTQIA + community to come together .” Board member Jonathan Swindle commented , “ We will re-organize events to embody what PRIDE means to the LGBTQIA + community . Our community has faced epidemics before and we want to demonstrate once again that we can balance the welfare of the public , show compassion and care for those suffering , and still celebrate the strength and resiliency of LGBTQIA + individuals .” Board member David Villarreal stated , “ The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone ’ s lives – physically , emotionally , and financially . PRIDE events are going to be respectful of the economic conditions and struggles that families , businesses , and individuals are dealing with . Events are going to encourage full participation of the LGBTQIA + community , our allies , our friends , and families .” Reverend Dana Worsham , Board member and pastor of St . Paul
United Church of Christ , offered : “ We ’ re praying for victims of COVID-19 , especially the doctors , nurses , associates and other health care professionals devoting their hearts and souls to saving lives . PRIDE is going to take every precaution to protect the health and safety of the community so we can unite and highlight the critical role LGBTQIA + individuals play in the Coastal Bend .”
The spread of the COVID-19 virus led the Board to switch from in-person meetings to be in compliance with government regulations and begin conducting organization business virtually through interactive meetings beginning in mid-March .
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone ' s lives - physically , emotionally , and financially ...
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