HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Serena Rundberg 4-24-14From:Serena Rundberg
To:Agenda
Subject:Equality is good for Downtown Business
Date:Wednesday, April 23, 2014 9:27:54 AM
Dear City Commissioners and Mayor Krauss,
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this letter. For almost thirty years, activists
and advocates have tried to pass statewide protections for LGBT Montanans at our state capital.
I am asking the City of Bozeman to ‘step up’ where the state has failed to act and provide those
legal protections now by moving forward with a nondiscrimination ordinance that includes ALL of
us.
As a business owner, I know that equality is good for business. When people feel valued for
who they are, they have the comfort and confidence to do the best work of their lives. When
people don’t have to fear retribution or retaliation based on these personal characteristics, they
thrive. We support our LGBT employees and we support LGBT members of our community, with
pride, and we have only benefited from our decision to do so!
Protections that promote equality and diversity should not be conditional on someone's sexual
orientation, or their gender identity and expression. Too many of us have had to hide parts of
our identity in the workplace. This ordinance will not end discrimination. But it will provide those
who experience discrimination a chance to file a complaint, to have their voice heard, and to find
legal resolution. It will make our community stronger, and it will help LGBT families be more
secure knowing the rug cannot just be pulled out from beneath them.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration. This is what good communities do: we look
out for one another, we stand beside one another. We make sure everyone in our community is
treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Let’s pass a nondiscrimination ordinance!
Thank you!
Serena Rundberg
Serena RundbergProprietressThe Nova Cafe312 E. Main StreetBozeman, MT 59715hey@thenovacafe.comwww.thenovacafe.comp 406.587.3973f 406.586.5410c 406.600.3100