HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-25 Public Comment - N. Barefoot - Montana Pride Flag banFrom:Nikki Barefoot
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Montana Pride Flag ban
Date:Wednesday, June 11, 2025 5:09:58 PM
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To whom it may concern,
It's come to my attention that Montana has passed a law that bans Pride flags at schools and
government buildings. This law is not about a flag, it's purely about finding a scapegoat and atarget for hate and discrimination. Unfortunately, a law like this would only be a spark to a
larger fire and it scares me for my community. Not only the LGBTQ+ community, butBozeman as a whole.
I personally identify as a lesbian. I am grateful to have the privilege to call Bozeman home and
to feel incredibly safe here. At 38, I'm no stranger to discrimination and fear but I'm notworried about me. What worries me is the trans MSU student, the gay highschooler, the queer
middle schooler, the kid with 2 moms... What happens when hate and discrimination becomesthe acceptable norm? What happens when they have to hide who they are? The answer is, alot
of them don't make it to adulthood. It doesn't take much of an imagination to know that hateand discrimination bleeds out far beyond its original target as well. While it may seem
minuscule for some, for me, seeing a pride flag brings this intense feeling of relief and safety.It's not just a flag - it never will be. It's a beacon of hope and a symbol that makes me feel like
things are going to be ok and even if just for that moment - I'm in a safe place.
One thing I love the most about Bozeman is that we truly care about community and the folksliving in it. We show up for our un-homed, for our elderly, for our hungry. We buy local and
take care of the small businesses. And well, something about Montana just says - don't messwith the locals because we take care of each other. What we have is not something you can
just say about most places. At this point it's not about politics or laws or religion or anythingelse. It's got to be about believing there is good in the world and about being brave enough to
speak up for human beings regardless of anything that defines them simply because it's whatwe should do. I feel like Bozeman already is an example of good and can continue to be.
Please don't let hate take that away. It's not just a flag.
I ask that you please join other cities like Missoula and Boise by officially adopting the PrideProgress Flag and variations as an official flag of the city.
Thank you for your time,
Nikki Barefoot