HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-25 Public Comment - M. Smotherman - Adoption of the Pride flag as an official flag of the City of BozemanFrom:Mickey Smotherman
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Adoption of the Pride flag as an official flag of the City of Bozeman
Date:Saturday, July 12, 2025 5:04:24 PM
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I would love to address the Commission in person on this subject, but the
threatening environment around this subject concerns my wife and I, so I have
elected to submit written comments instead.
I am a 78 year old trans female, and I have lived in Bozeman for 8 years and
experienced mostly love and acceptance. However, the recent political climate,
both nationally and in MT, has turned rather ugly in recent years. According to
the ACLU, over 500 bills have been introduced in state legislatures (including
MT) in the last year targeting LBGTQ individuals and transgender individuals'
access to healthcare, education, and public spaces.
As a retired attorney, I am proud of the MT courts for standing up to most of
the anti-LBGTQ biased legislation (including a recent MT court ruling finding
unconstitutional the 2023 bill banning certain medical services for trans minors,
even with the consent of the minor’s parent and upon the advice of a licensed
medical professional).
However, courts blocking biased and unconstitutional laws is not enough. The
ignorance and bias of those who verbally and physically attack LBGTQ
individuals must not only be condemned, but it must also be challenged by love
and the example of loving people (including public servants).
I am a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and the UMC Social
Principles declare our responsibility to do all in our power “to combat such
unjust treatment and to promote equal rights and protections for all.” In
furtherance of these principles, the UMC last year removed its historical
condemnation of homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching,” and
ended bans on LBGTQ clergy and same-sex marriages. The church took these
bold steps even with the knowledge that thousands of churches would leave the
UMC over these decisions.
I followed those principles when I engaged in a brief conversation at the Pride
March in downtown Bozeman last year with one of the black clad gang who
verbally abused members of a drag dance group. I was advised not to engage
with any of these individuals spewing anti-LBGTQ hatred, but I did it,
anyway. I asked one of the few who was not masked what his concern was,
and he told me it was to “protect our children.” I put out my hand and told him
I had the same motivation, as the father of two children and the grandfather of
two children in Bozeman, so can we agree to try to have a respectful
conversation about how we can protect children. He did not reply, but he
shook my hand (and then the group left, because their bullhorn insults were
being drowned out by dance music).
Adoption of the Pride Flag (allowing it to be flown on City properties) would
be a very visible example that the City of Bozeman and its leaders support the
rights of ALL citizens of Bozeman to exist in peace and harmony with our
neighbors. It would NOT be lifting up LBGTQ individuals OVER
heterosexual individuals (as was argued by one commentator at the July 8
meeting) – it would be a bold step to say that our community embraces people
of ALL colors, races, genders, and sexuality. "ALL persons" is what is
symbolized by the colors of the rainbow – that ALL persons are equal in value
and to be respected – why is that not a message that all of Bozeman should
embrace?
Thank you to each Commissioner for your hard work – I can’t imagine the
stress you are under every day, but particularly now, meeting back to back on
July 14 & 15, dealing with MANY hot button issues. I am praying for wisdom
and strength for each of you.
Mickey Smotherman