HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-25 Public Comment - J. Ellwood - Public Comment –Pride FlagFrom:Jill Ellwood
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment –Pride Flag
Date:Wednesday, July 2, 2025 12:26:40 PM
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Hello,
My name is Jill Ellwood. I have lived in Gallatin County since 2012 and have been in
Bozeman since 2014. My husband and I are homeowners on the south side of town. We havethree incredible children, and we are choosing to raise them here in Bozeman. I work for a
local nonprofit, One Valley Community Foundation, and my husband is a nurse at thehospital.
One of the reasons we have chosen to raise our family in Bozeman is the community spirit we
feel in Bozeman. We want to live in and raise our family in a neighborly, caring, supportivecommunity. We are the type of neighbors who invite the neighborhood over for cookouts and
shovel our neighbors' sidewalks. We love living in an area where we feel kindness is typicallymet with more kindness.
While we are not part of the queer community, we are passionate allies because we want all
folks to feel accepted and loved when they are with us. Our town, and the world, are betterwhen people feel accepted and able to be themselves. Hate and bigotry will never create caring
communities the way that love and acceptance do. One of the primary ways we can show ourcitizens and visitors that Bozeman is a welcoming place is by adopting the pride flag as an
official city flag.
You, the City Commissioners, have an incredible opportunity to make a statement thatBozeman is a place that centers community and inclusion. Bozeman is a place where folks
don't need to feel isolated. Bozeman cares about the mental health and well-being of itscitizens. Bozeman will stand by its values and not be intimidated by others to
become complacent with discrimination.
Please adopt the Pride flag as an official city flag this week.
With gratitude,
Jill Ellwood