Memphis’ recognition of June as Nuclear Family Month sparks debate between supporters and critics | News

Memphis, Tennessee is recognizing June 2026 as “Nuclear Family Month.”

It’s a move supporters say celebrates traditional family values but critics argue sends a different message during Pride Month.

The resolution defines a nuclear family as one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or fostered children.

Lakie Derrick, who said she helped write the resolution, said the designation is meant to promote what she believes are traditional family values.

“So this is simply to uplift what is good. It is simply to uplift what is traditional and what is the bedrock of Tennessee’s foundations to our society as well as American society,” Derrick said.

Derrick said the effort was inspired by a similar celebration in Italy. She said her values are rooted in her Christian faith.

“My main response to any negativity towards this is this is simply promoting what we know to be good. This is promoting God’s design,” she said.

Critics, however, said the timing of the resolution during Pride Month raises concerns.

“I think it is a completely semantic attempt to make a point about how the current, both federal and statewide government, feels about queer people,” said Memphis resident Kyndel Henager.

Henager said the resolution will not change how members of the LGBTQ community observe Pride Month.

“It changes nothing on how we act. It’s just to show their stance,” Henager said.

Memphis resident Marilyn Boles agreed.

“No, no, definitely. And I’m very proud to be able to call it Pride Month. We fought very hard to have that here in this city,” Boles said.

Some critics argue the designation excludes LGBTQ families and single-parent households. Derrick disagrees, saying the resolution is not intended to exclude anyone.

She said she hopes lawmakers will continue recognizing Nuclear Family Month in future years.

“Next step for me and this are simply to hopefully bring this back up as a resolution to permanently make June nuclear family month,” Derrick said.

Tennessee is not the only state recognizing family-related observances in June. Alabama recently proclaimed June as “Strong Families Month,” while Utah and Arkansas have recognized June as “Fidelity Month.”