Temecula City Councilwoman Jessica Alexander caused a commotion during a Council meeting on June 13 when she walked away from her seat in protest of Mayor Zak Schwank reading the Pride Month Proclamation from the dais. The incident continues the debate surrounding what groups and behaviors are appropriate for inclusivity and Councilwoman Alexander said, “We will eventually see MAPS (Minor Attracted Persons) be recognized under this flag, I hope this is your line in the sand?”
It should be noted that while the city council had previously agreed to present the proclamation at the REDI Commission meetings, Mayor Schwank had chosen to read proclamations during city council sessions.
Councilman Brenden Kalfus said there were proclamations that had been notably omitted. They included the proclamations for Jewish American Month, Asian American Month, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Heritage Month proclamations.
Councilman Brenden Kalfus, who is of Jewish descent, expressed his lack of surprise at the mayor’s actions. Kalfus remarked, “I’m not surprised. If you look carefully at what people do rather than what they say, you can have a deeper understanding of who they are.”
During her allotted time at the June 13 meeting, Councilwoman Alexander read a statement that raised further questions and controversy. She questioned whether the LGBTQ+ proclamation should be disseminated to children by the City of Temecula and raised concerns about the potential influence on vulnerable and impressionable youth in the community. Alexander stressed her obligation as a City Council Member to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly children.
Citing a group called “Queer in the World,” Alexander pointed out that over 50 different flags are currently associated with the LGBTQ+ flag, representing various identities, sexual attractions, and sexual behaviors. She expressed concern, particularly about the inclusion of flags representing BDSM (bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism, masochism) and flags associated with kink and fetish. Alexander argued that exposing children to such flags could encourage sexual activity and make them susceptible to predators.
Alexander also questioned the boundaries of the LGBTQ+ flag’s “plus” designation and called for a discussion among City Council members regarding which groups fall under the “plus” and why? She raised flags such as the Leather pride flag, Rubber Pride flag, Bears and cubs flag, Furies and Beastality flag, and flags associated with polyamory and pedophilia (minor-attracted persons or MAPs). Alexander expressed her concerns about MAPs potentially being recognized as part of the LGBTQ+ community, referring to it as a psychiatric disorder characterized by sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
The councilwoman concluded her statement by emphasizing her commitment to the objective safety of children in the community and urged her colleagues to do the same. She declared that she could not associate herself with the LGBTQ+ proclamation and chose to step away from the dais while Mayor Schwank re-read the proclamation during his council comments.
Alexander’s remarks have triggered a heated discussion among residents, LGBTQ+ advocates, and community leaders regarding the city’s inclusivity and the treatment of different groups. The incident has underscored the ongoing need for open dialogue and understanding in order to address the concerns and opinions of all community members.
