Rainbow in the Rockies ... This weekend, on June 8, Montrose will host its first Pride event. Good. It's about time. Our reporter, Kylea Henseler, wrote an article for Wednesday's edition of the newspaper previewing this event. She spoke to organizers of the event, who expressed excitement that their town is embracing the LGBTQ+ community with this event. "It's a time to celebrate so many different folks in this community," said Montrose Library District employee and Pride steering committee member Molly Benson. "There are a lot of people who have felt isolated for a long time, and this is an opportunity for people to come together." But organizers also nodded to the negatives: some have expressed concerns over safety, and some businesses have reportedly indicated they wouldn't sponsor such an event because they were worried such support would carry an economic blowback. This is sad. But also likely true. Montrose is one of the more conservative locales on the Western Slope and you don't have to look very far to find people who are not excited about this weekend's local Pride event. In fact, you need to look no further than the Montrose Daily Press's Facebook page, where a link to Kylea's story on the Pride event has generated more than a few backwards comments. Without mentioning names (you can visit our Facebook page if you really want to dive in), here's a couple of examples ... "Why do the LGBTQ community feel they deserve special treatment over ordinary straight folks? Why is it necessary to pander to people because they feel they are different than everybody else? Why should they get a special month, flag, and laws? I say BS to all that special treatment, this is why some folks will never accept them, they aren't special and the more they demand the more pushback there will be." "I bet if I dressed in a KKK costume, and carried a burning cross... It would go down like a lead balloon here in Montrose Colorado. Don't judge me... and I won't judge you." That first one is ignorant. The second one is just downright weird (to be clear: if you wear a white sheet and carry a burning cross, people are probably gonna judge you — and possibly spray you with a fire extinguisher.) It's interesting how something like a Pride event — a thing rooted in acceptance and, ultimately, love — can stir up such bitterness. And that's why it's a good thing that Montrose is having a Pride event, so that people can celebrate and support a community of people that, yes, tends to get marginalized by some people. Maybe one day we'll evolve and the notion of a Pride event will seem quaint and unnecessary because people won't think any different about those in the LGBTQ+ community than they do about "ordinary straight folks." But we're nowhere close to that any time soon. So, enjoy the party this year, and get ready for another one next June. Have a Good One, Jeremy Morrison, managing editor jeremym@montrosepress.com QUICK LINKS |
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