By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — Rockingham Selectman Elijah Zimmer recently proposed flying a permanent Pride flag in front of the historic former gay nightclub, Andrews Inn, as well as paint one of the crosswalks in Bellows Falls rainbow colors, and fly a Pride banner across the square during the month of June.
While the selectboard voiced that they had no issue with the flag or the message of promoting LBGTQ+, there were questions that arose that led the board to table a vote on allowing this until conferring with the town attorney and developing a specific policy.
Zimmer and members of the public who called into the Feb. 4 meeting were dismayed that there was so much discussion needed for a simple flag that would be hung on a town owned lamp post, which is the reason permission is needed. They said that it is a sign of the times, however, saying that the newly elected presidential administration is working to make the transgender community disappear.
“There definitely is prejudice,” Zimmer said. “If you raise your head. If you stay down and be invisible it is OK, but if you stand up and make a statement, there are lots of people ready to throw a rock at you.”
Zimmer explained to the board that the Pride Committee voted to investigate putting the Pride flag on the flag post at the entrance to the inn, as well as painting the crosswalk in the square. He brought along examples of rainbow crosswalks in other towns in the region, as well as proclamations from other Vermont towns about displaying the flag on municipal property in the month of June.
Selectman Bonnie North said she lived most of her adult life in Provincetown, Mass. and has a gay son, and that she is “totally open minded on this issue.” However, she was wary of flying a Pride flag permanently, saying the idea is “troubling.”
“A flag has such connotations,” North said. “I think it would be great to have it there the entire month of June, and I love the crosswalk idea. Love it. But I don’t know about a flag permanently on municipal property.”
Resident Becky Johnson called into the meeting saying, “I think the permanent flag is a no.”
“I don’t think the town should get involved in that,” she said. “It is opening a huge can of worms.”
She added that the banner across the street in June could be a problem, as Bellows Falls “bleeds purple,” and this will be graduation month. She suspected an outcry could come from the community if it interferes with anything with the school.
Briar Hills called in to support the requests, saying that they are queer and are currently raising three small children with their wife. They said it is an unprecedented time, and while they feel safe in Bellows Falls as there is clear acceptance based on the town’s history and businesses flying the flag, it is a terrible time for the transgender community that makes up only 1% of the population.
“Having a flag displayed when 50% of the population doesn’t want you to exist is very important,” Hills said.
Susan Still of Saxtons River thanked Zimmer and Hills for speaking and added that she is “very saddened” that the selectboard was hesitating. She also was disappointed that there were phrases being used like “opening a can of worms.” Still said this is an issue of human rights, and “as proud Vermonters we need to stand up at this time.”
Erica Daniels said this is a chance for the town to stand up and say, “you are safe.” She said it is such a huge thing to walk down the street and see something supported. She said it is not in front of town hall, but instead on a landmark building that is rich with LBGTQ+ history.
Another person called in anonymously and was against the flag, and said it is “ridiculous” that people are saying transgender people are being killed and targeted. The person denied bigotry, said he sees the flag everywhere, and a huge flag hanging off would be overkill.” Instead he said to leave this up to the businesses.
The board agreed that they would study the town policies of Putney and Windsor, and then confer with the town attorney on a proper policy.
