The governors of Arkansas and Utah have officially declared June as ‘Fidelity Month’, promoting “traditional values” centred on faith, family, and country, in place of Pride Month. The move has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who describe it as a deliberate slight against the community.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who had previously signed Pride Month proclamations for three consecutive years, changed course in 2024. His declaration cited a poll showing declining support for traditional values, stating that “the survival of the United States depends on the shared bonds of faith, family and patriotism.” Local nonprofit Project Rainbow Utah called the shift “a slap in the face for LGBTQ+ Utahns,” accusing the governor of being dismissive of perspectives other than his own.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a similar proclamation, arguing that “cultivating fidelity to God, family, community and country contributes to human flourishing.” Other Republican-led states have adopted comparable measures under different names: Tennessee and Indiana designated June as ‘Nuclear Family Month’, while Alabama proclaimed it ‘Strong Families Month’. The declarations coincide with a Gallup poll showing that support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. has plateaued after years of growth, with a notable decline among Republicans.
The term ‘Fidelity Month’ was coined in 2023 by Princeton professor Robert P. George, who was inspired by a poll indicating declining rates of patriotism, religious commitment, and community involvement among Americans. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the replacement of Pride Month with such observances undermines the visibility and support that the community relies on.
