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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-25 Public Comment - P. Diamond - Public Comment – Pride Flag 2025From:Precious Diamond To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment – Pride Flag 2025 Date:Tuesday, July 8, 2025 7:00:12 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the Bozeman City Commission, My name is PJ Diamond. I lived in a cozy home just off South Willson from 2020 to 2024,and while I’ve recently moved, I remain a deeply engaged partner in the Bozeman community. During my time there, I directed student programming and taught first-year students atMontana State University. Through my ongoing consulting work, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with beloved organizations like Bridgercare, Haven, and Montana Shakespearein the Parks. I also proudly serve on the Board of Directors for Queer Bozeman, where I contribute to the Governance Committee. I chose to leave Bozeman in the summer of 2024 for a number of reasons. As a Black, queer woman, there were many moments when I didn’t feel entirely safe in public spaces. And yet, Ialso found solace in the everyday affirmations of belonging that did exist. I loved walking the Galligator Trail behind my home. At the corner of Willson and Garfield, my neighbor’s PrideFlag flew proudly the entire time I lived there. Just around the corner, another home on Tracy Avenue displayed a Pride Flag in their window year after year. These quiet, consistentsymbols were more than just decorations—they were reminders that I wasn’t alone, and that this community could be one of care, inclusion, and pride. Now is the time to build on that spirit! By approving the Pride Flag as an official city flag, Bozeman can make a clear, visible, and lasting statement: that it stands in allyship with its2SLGBTQIA+ residents and neighbors, and that inclusion, equity, and visibility matter here. I urge you to make the Pride Flag an official city flag, Bozeman City Commission! With gratitude and hope, PJ Diamond Precious (PJ) Diamond pjdiamond02@gmail.com Sent from my iPhone- Please excuse any grammatical errors.