Hawaii’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is applauding the governor for declaring June pride month.

Michael Golojuch Jr., chair of Honolulu Pride, says this is the first year an entire month has received such a proclamation.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has proclaimed June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Questioning Pride Month.”

Golojuch says the proclamation shows growing acceptance of Hawaii’s LGBT community.

Earlier this year Abercrombie signed same-sex civil unions into law.

Hawaii’s pride month kicks off this weekend with events including a Honolulu parade and celebrations on Maui. 

Organizers on Wednesday announced Kauai County Councilmember KipuKai Kaulii as grand marshal for 2011 Honolulu Pride.