HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Public Comment - L. Gali - Against Pride Flag Being an Official City FlagFrom:Leslie-Ann Gali
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Against Pride Flag Being an Official City Flag
Date:Tuesday, July 15, 2025 8:01:28 AM
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Bozeman City Commissioners,
I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen who cares deeply about the values, traditions,and unity of our community here in Bozeman. While I strongly believe in treating every
individual with respect, dignity, and fairness regardless of their background or identity, I mustexpress my concerns regarding the consideration of adopting the Pride flag as an official city
flag.
Bozeman is a diverse and growing community, and that diversity should be celebrated in a
way that brings us together rather than divides us. Official symbols, like a city flag, shouldreflect a sense of shared identity and collective representation that includes all residents—
regardless of their political, social, or personal beliefs. By designating a flag that isrepresentative of one specific movement or group, even with the best intentions, we risk
alienating others in the community who may not feel represented by it, despite theircommitment to equality and respectful coexistence.
The Pride flag, while widely recognized and supported by many, also holds political andcultural associations that not every citizen may align with. Official government symbols
should strive to remain neutral, inclusive, and unifying. Our city flag should representBozeman in its entirety—its history, its people, its landscape, and its values that transcend
individual affiliations. That doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't support marginalizedcommunities—we absolutely should—but we must be careful not to elevate one group symbol
above the broader identity of the whole community in a permanent or official capacity.
There are many other ways to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community—through
events, inclusive policy decisions, educational programs, and public acknowledgments duringPride Month and other relevant times. These actions can be just as meaningful, if not more so,
in promoting understanding and acceptance without needing to alter an official symbol that ismeant to represent everyone.
I hope that as you consider this matter, you will think deeply about what it means for a symbolto be official—how it will be seen by generations to come and what message it will send about
the kind of unity we aspire to. My hope is that Bozeman continues to be a place where allpeople feel welcomed and valued without feeling that their city’s official symbols favor one
identity over another.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to hearing from all voices in our
community.
Sincerely,
Leslie Ann Gali