Some of you may have heard, we had an “incident” at our home recently. Someone came up to our house and spit on our Pride flag that we fly all the time. Imagine an act of hate, here on our island paradise!
OPINION
It was a deeply personal attack for me. I caught it all on the security camera. Every time I watch it, I get sad, angry and confused that someone was so full of hate to do such an act. It was intentional and mean spirited. The police are working on identifying the perpetrator. They need to be held accountable for their actions.
I have a nephew, cousin, sister-in-law and a daughter who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. All incredible people, loved by many and selflessly doing something for the greater good of humanity. All have their Master’s degree from top-notch schools and one has a Ph.D in genome research. She does research to find cures for cancer. And cancer has or will affect all of us at some point in our lives. Would you turn down a cure because a gay person discovered it? I highly doubt it.
I fly the Pride flag because I am so proud of my family who identify as gay. The flag celebrates diversity of love, the rights they deserve, and freedom from prosecution. The person you choose to love is certainly not a crime for you so why should it be for my family members?
We are all a subset of some larger community. You may be from the Cuban or South American or Jewish community while I’m from the Danish/Swedish/American community. You’re probably very proud to be a member of that community. It’s a great feeling to be proud of who you are.
The LBGTQ+ community are rightly proud of who they are. Some of you have experienced hate because of who you are or where you came from and you know how awful that feels.
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Why have hate for someone who is very much the same as you but for one reason?
Basic human decency is to be kind to everyone, regardless of our differences. The Golden Rule is something we learn as young children. “Treat others as you want to be treated yourselves.” It’s a tenet of most religions.
Pride month is the outcome of the Stonewall Riots in New York City that erupted on June 28th, 1969. The riots were a result of the police raiding The Stonewall Inn which was, and still is, a gay bar located in Greenwich Village.
After those riots, activist groups formed to demand and then protect gay citizen’s rights to live safely and openly without fear of being arrested. During Pride month we want to recognize the positive impact LBGTQ+ people have made in our country.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave. The gay community has been nothing but brave trying to protect their freedoms. Just as anyone else who has come to this country for freedom of religious persecution or to experience the American dream of financial security.
Open your heart to everyone. It’s the kindest act you can do. The gay community deserves your support. Now more than ever.
Kristin Kann
KRISTIN KANN lives in Key Biscayne