HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-25 Public Comment - B. Bell - Public Comment –Pride FlagFrom:Brennah Bell
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment –Pride Flag
Date:Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8:01:54 AM
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Hello,
My name is Brennah Bell and I am a counselor in the Bozeman community. I am also a queer
woman who is writing to respectfully urge the city of Bozeman to adopt, and proudly, displaythe Pride flag as an official city flag.
I have grown up in rural communities my whole life. As a queer person I struggled to live
authentically and find acceptance in my community. Living my true self, coming out, andchoosing to marry my wife, I faced discrimination. There have been times I have felt unsafe to
even hold my wife’s hand as we walk down the street. There is an intense vulnerability tobeing openly queer and it can be an isolating experience. Symbols like the Pride flag make
such a difference in combating those feelings of loneliness.
Seeing the Pride flag flown in front of a city building, a private residence or even as a stickerin a shop window instantly makes me feel safer. It indicates that I will find acceptance there
and affirms that I am not alone. It makes me feel belonging. It shows me that I have allies inmy community. It reminds me that there are people here who will fight for my equality and
that there are welcoming environments for me to be a part of.
For me living in a city where the Pride flag is displayed in city buildings indicates safety andacceptance for me, my family, but also for the other LGBTQ+ members, allies, and visitors
who come here. I see the Pride flag as a symbol of hope and acceptance.
The Pride flag stands for the values we all strive to uphold: dignity, equality, and the freedomto live authentically. Displaying the flag sends a powerful message that our city values every
resident, regardless of who they love or how they identify. It signals that this is a safe,welcoming community where diversity is celebrated, not merely tolerated.
Cities across the country have embraced flying the Pride flag as part of their public
commitment to human rights and social progress. By joining them, we demonstrate that we area city where all people belong.
I hope you’ll consider this opportunity to take a visible stand for inclusion and equality. I urgeyou the city commission to approve the Pride flag as an official city flag. Thank you for your
leadership and service to our community.
Warm regards,
Brennah Bell