Pride in FW

I write to share what I said at the Federal Way City Council meeting, figuring the Mirror has a much larger audience.

First, thank you Mayor Jim Ferrell for the Pride proclamation and for raising the Pride flag at City Hall. In years past we have also had Pride flags flying on 320th, which, in my opinion is as it should be. How can we as a city say that “all are welcome,” that we “denounce prejudice and discrimination” and “that it is imperative that all people in our community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity feel valued, safe and supported.” (Quotes are from the Pride proclamation.)

If we really mean what we say, then why is the only Pride flag hidden away in the trees at City Hall? Why don’t we step up and if these are really our values, demonstrate that. Young LGBT people are four to five times more likely to take their life than their peers. This horrible statistic goes down when they have a safe person to talk to and a safe place to be. How many young people go to City Hall vs. 320th? And no, seeing a Pride flag will not make someone gay!

City Council, please! Your lack of signing on to the Proclamation speaks volumes. Please, do better, support all of your constituents, even the gay ones.

Catherine North, Federal Way