HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-25 Public Comment - R. Roland - Opposition to Removal of Consideration for Changing Bozeman's Official FlagFrom:Rio Roland
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Queer Bozeman
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to Removal of Consideration for Changing Bozeman"s Official Flag
Date:Tuesday, July 8, 2025 7:57:13 AM
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Dear Commissioners,
When the legislature passed HB 819 and the governor signed it into law, it was clearly an
affront to the LGBTQ+ community, of which I am a proud member. This bill was guised under
the idea of ensuring political neutrality due to a red herring that local governments were out
of control with their divisive flag advocacy. But, it was clearly meant as virtue signaling to the
conservative political base which has become emboldened of late.
Government and policy choices are not zero-sum games. Highlighting a minority group does
not take away from the success or achievements of others. Giving recognition, celebrating, or
crafting policy to serve historically under-represented groups, does not take away from society
as a whole, or even parts of it. Giving these groups visible and real support empowers them
from the veil of unacceptability that may have influenced their lives in negative ways. It makes
them more productive members of our community and helps them lead more fulfilling lives,
less likely to turn to drugs, alcohol or self-harm.
The city of Bozeman, to my knowledge, has never put lip service to the "Belonging in
Bozeman" plan for the LGBTQ+ community. I have not seen city sponsored Pride flags on
Main Street during Pride month - an embarrassment to an otherwise forward thinking
community. Fargo, ND puts up city-sponsored Pride flags during their celebrations. That
should be considered a point of shame for Bozeman.
So, in the face of a blatant attack on the LGBTQ+ community by the Montana legislature,
Bozeman, like Missoula and Butte-Silver Bow should rise up to support its community instead
of being a shrinking violet in the face of conservative hate groups and consider adopting a
queer themed official city flag.
In the face of the erosion of liberties and rights at the state and national level, standing up and
speaking truth to power at the local level is one of the few tools progressive minded people
have left. To ignore that vital tool in Bozeman if feckless and cowardly. This city and
commission is better than this decision and I strongly urge you to reconsider discussing a
resolution to adopt an official LGBTQ+ themed city flag to show the state and nation that
Bozeman does not acquiesce to the idea of zero-sum politics and policies.
Regards,
Rio Roland
P.S. - I am a current commissioner on the Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board.
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