The month of June is called Pride Month by the LGTBQ+ community and our town will be hosting a Pride Party on Saturday, June 3, 12 – 5 pm, at Jerry Willey Plaza near Orenco Station in Hillsboro.

I am inviting you to attend along with my family. It will be the first time for me to intentionally go to a large public event. Back at in my university days, I covered a couple of events as a photographer, but never went as just a person. I admit that I have not been open to such things before because many persons in positions of power and influence expressed messages of fear, skepticism, or condemnation. Now though, I want to intentionally see, learn and connect.

I cannot pinpoint the first time I realized one of my friends, neighbors, colleagues or students was gay, lesbian, bi or trans, but there have been several meaningful interactions in my past and present that have lead me to reconsider my “stance” on people with a different sexual orientation. Society itself has not a safe place for people to share how they are, yet many artistic and talented LGTBQ individuals have shared their abilities and gifts freely with us.

I am not going to protest, proselytize or persecute, there is plenty of that already. Earlier this year, I saw a video of men shooting at rainbow cans of beer while laughing and it felt threatening in a way that made my heart sick. If anything, I should go and apologize for the behavior of myself, friends and family. I hope that you too will consider this small step in building bridges where there have been barriers.