HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-25 Public Comment - L. Folkvein - City Commissioners - please adopt Pride FlagFrom:Laura Folkwein
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Commissioners - please adopt Pride Flag
Date:Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:51:13 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
As a local pastor and a member of the LGBTQIA + community myself, I am writing toexpress my personal support for the City of Bozeman to officially adopt the Pride flag as
one of its recognized city flags.
I have served Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ here in Bozeman as pastor
for 3 ½ years. Our church flies both the Pride flag and the U.S. flag.
During my time here, our membership has grown, including a number of LGBTQ+ folks andmany others. I am honored to serve a church that honors and welcomes a variety of diverse
and wonderful people into our inclusive community. Pilgrim UCC has expressly welcomedLGBTQ+ people into the life, leadership, and ministry of our church since 2012.
I talk a lot in church about how to be a good neighbor by living out the commandment to
love your neighbor as yourself. Our church works hard to put those words into action
locally, and globally too.
In our growing Bozeman community, being a good neighbor means getting to know newarrivals, respecting folks who have been here for a long time, and making sure everyone
can feel safe, seen, and respected. In addition to being gospel values, these ideals alsomake for a great place to live where talent and innovation are encouraged, workers are
retained, and even those passing through as tourists or business travelers feel welcomeand at home.
Personally, as an LGBTQ person, I breathe a sigh of relief when I enter a workplace or
business with even subtle rainbow stickers or a flag out front. I am also more likely to return
to that place of business as a loyal customer.
Our church flies both a Pride flag and a U.S. flag, in recognition that the church hashistorically marginalized and harmed LGBTQ people and we want to do better today. When
I enter our church building, the U.S. flag reminds me of both the victories and faults of thenation I call home. The U.S. flag expresses welcome to folks who might initially feel
uncomfortable with the rainbow flag. Time and again, once we are inside as one communitygetting to know each other and serving together, we remember how strong we are and how
inspiring it is when we come together across our differences.
Additionally, many of the outside groups who rent our space as longtime partners or for
one-time events have shared their appreciation for our flags. Music students, nonprofit
groups, creatives, senior citizens, and recovery groups can feel comfortable being
themselves in our space.
I hope the Bozeman City Commission will adopt the Pride flag as an official city flag, as a
commitment to equality and as a visible reminder that this is a community where everyone
— whoever they love or however they identify — is welcomed, valued, and respected.
Thank you for your service to our shared community.
Sincerely,
Rev. Laura Folkwein, MSW
-- Rev. Laura Folkwein, MSW(she, her, hers)laura.folkwein@gmail.com
“Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place
in the pattern, and so do you.” T.A. Barron, writer