Bigotry toward the LGBTQ community shows exactly why pride celebrations are so very necessary. The increased visibility and mainstream inclusion of this part of our population have caused great discomfort among those who spew hate-filled rhetoric toward those whom they don’t understand. This rhetoric has often led to violence against this community.
These people live in your neighborhoods. They shop in the same stores as you do. They serve with honor in the military. They may have children who attend the same schools as your children. Some of them may even be your own family members.
These are the people who are harmed when vile words are hurled into the public sphere. People who you may love, and love you in return. They are deserving of the same rights, respect and freedoms as anyone else. And every June they publicly celebrate their identities while reminding us that they still face great dangers from those who would erase their existence.
Brian Luce
Buffalo Township