HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Kim Leighton 5-1-14 Kill,i L
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Members of the Bozeman City Commission:
My name is Kim Leighton and I am here this evening in strong support of a fully-inclusive Bozeman Non-
Discrimination Ordinance.This issue is important to me on both a personal and professional level. I am a
member of the LGBTQ community,a Montana resident, and the Regional Development Organizer for
Pride Foundation. Pride Foundation envisions a world that honors diversity,fosters mutual respect,and
supports complete equality.
In Montana, it is still legal to fire someone or deny them housing or public accommodations simply for
their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Until that reality changes, Pride Foundation will
continue to work with partner agencies to ensure that legal protections are available for LGBTQ
individuals at the local level.
The fear that individuals in the LGBTQ community feel is overwhelming. I have come face to face with
what this fear looks and feels like. I travel all over Montana for work and I cannot stress enough how
important it is that Montanans feel safe everywhere. I want to know that when I come to Bozeman for
work or travel, I will have the same security and safety that I have when I am in Helena, Missoula or
Butte;where non-discrimination ordinances have already passed.
I myself, have endured a great deal of fear and mistreatment while accessing public accommodations
across our state, so much so,that now I often feel unsafe and uncomfortable using most public
restrooms. Women talking under their breath as I walk into a restroom because they believe a man just
walked in;women walking in as I'm washing my hands and blatantly asking me if this is the women's
restroom; blank stares as I wait in line...just to use the bathroom. It can be terrifying.You don't know
what people are going to do,or how they're going to react. I've literally waited 10 minutes in a
bathroom stall,waiting for everyone to leave, because I didn't know whether or not I would face
discrimination and harassment,given that people had already said things upon my entrance into the
facility.
These are real,tangible experiences.There are many more individuals in the LGBTQ community who are
afraid to tell their stories.This is why I ask you to support this non-discrimination ordinance. I believe
that with passage of such a policy,steps can be taken to ensure that all of Bozeman's residents and
everyone traveling to Bozeman can begin to feel safer and more secure in the community.
Establishing a non-discrimination ordinance in Bozeman will ensure that everyone is treated fairly in the
city.This ordinance would simply extend the protections that the majority of Bozeman residents enjoy
to the LGBTQ community,ensuring that everyone receives equal protection under the law.
Equality is also good for business.That is why 88 percent of Fortune 500 companies prohibit
discrimination based on sexual orientation and nearly six-in-ten prohibit discrimination based on gender
identity.A non-discrimination ordinance would allow Bozeman to retain the best and brightest in the
workforce, boosting worker productivity and the economy.Without these protections,we are putting
our state's future at risk.
Seventeen states currently prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and
another four states prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Here in Montana, Missoula,
Helena, and Butte have already passed non-discrimination ordinances.We are counting on Bozeman to
take action.
For all of these reasons and more, I strongly urge you to pass this inclusive non-discrimination ordinance
in Bozeman. With your action,we can protect all Montana families and ensure that Bozeman stands on
the right side of history.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.