During Pride Month, a ceremony honoring Richard Grenell, the former Acting Director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration, sparked controversy in the California State Senate. Republican senators recognized Grenell, the first openly gay presidential Cabinet member, while several Democrat senators walked out in protest.

This incident followed the Los Angeles Dodgers' honoring of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during a Pride Night event, a move that also drew criticism. The walkout by Democrat senators, who hold the majority in the chamber, reflects the ongoing political tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues and figures.

Republican lawmakers, including Minority Leader Brian Jones and Assembly members Bill Essayli, Tom Lackey, and Greg Wallis, supported Grenell's recognition. Essayli criticized the Democrats' actions, suggesting their walkout demonstrated intolerance within the LGBTQ+ community towards those with differing political views. He further accused the Democrats of prioritizing a “Marxist agenda” over acknowledging Grenell’s historic role.

Democrat Senator Scott Wiener, one of those who left during the ceremony, viewed the recognition of Grenell as Republican retaliation for Democrats previously honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Wiener strongly condemned Grenell, labeling him a “self-hating gay man” with extreme anti-LGBTQ+ stances. The exchange escalated on social media, with Wiener and Grenell trading accusations.

Following the ceremony, Grenell criticized the Democrats' walkout, emphasizing the importance of tolerance for differing viewpoints. He questioned their ability to coexist with individuals holding opposing worldviews. Other Democrat senators, including Caroline Menjivar, Susan Talamantes Eggman, and Senate President pro-tempore Toni Atkins, also participated in the walkout. Atkins, who is openly gay, stated that while they disagreed with Grenell's views, they hadn't requested that he be uninvited, highlighting the Democrats' belief in acknowledging diverse perspectives.

Grenell has previously praised Donald Trump as the "most pro-gay president ever" and holds the distinction of being the first openly gay Cabinet-level official, having served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany before his acting intelligence role. While Grenell was the first openly gay Cabinet member, Pete Buttigieg became the first openly gay person confirmed by the Senate for a Cabinet position, serving as Transportation Secretary.