HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-25 Public Comment - E. Lowe - Support for Bozeman to adopt the Pride flagFrom:E Lowe
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for Bozeman to adopt the Pride flag
Date:Monday, July 7, 2025 12:31:24 PM
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City Commission,
As a property owner in Bozeman as well as someone who has worked full-time in Bozeman
for the last 17 years, I am writing to support the idea of Bozeman officially adopting the Prideflag.
As long as I have lived in Bozeman, the city has shown support for all community members,
and maintaining the ability to fly the Pride flag on city property in an official manner willcontinue to demonstrate that support while serving as a symbol of the city's inclusion of all of
its residents.
The Pride flag does not actively exclude anyone, and it was never meant to be political. It ismeant to include those who may otherwise be marginalized. As an emergency physician
living and working in Bozeman, I have long worn a rainbow emblem at work to outwardlyshow my openness to support LGBTQ+ individuals who may not otherwise feel safe enough
to share their situation or proactively ask for help. In the years I have worn it, I can't count thenumber of times someone has thanked me for wearing it and verbalizing how it gave them the
support they need to speak freely, and I suspect it was noted by many more than haven't saidanything. In my role I need to be available and supportive to all comers who need my help
and regardless of my identity (straight cis male), wearing this emblem allows me to better helpa subset of my patients and I am aware of no harm that it has caused to anyone else. My hope
is that maintaining the ability to have the Pride flag as a city symbol will serve the samepurpose in allowing the city to show that it is there to support all its residents.
Thank you for the work you do for our city and community.
Dr. Eric Lowe
4617 Alexander St. Bozemanericglowe18@gmail.com