Dear Editor:

Grasping my identity as a gay man brought not only self-discovery but also societal condemnation, transforming my journey into an act deemed sinful by many. Yet, it was the embrace of my family that shed light on a stark truth: not all in our LGBTQ+ community are met with acceptance. This contrast is a clarion call for Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor to recognize June as Pride Month, to stand as beacons of inclusivity on Maine’s welcoming coast.

The selectmen’s reluctance to proclaim June as Pride Month, citing concerns about setting a precedent and sowing division, misses the essence of what it means to be a community. My own encounters with discrimination— from exclusionary glances to outright hostility—expose a rift between our proclaimed values and the lived experiences of our LGBTQ+ residents.

The urgency for change is stark, underscored by The Trevor Project's harrowing statistic: every 45 seconds, an LGBTQ+ youth in America feels so devoid of hope that they attempt suicide. This is more than a crisis; it's a reflection of the critical role that acceptance plays in our lives. Southport's Pride Month celebration serves as a testament to the power of community solidarity in fostering connections and affirming dignity.

As Boothbay's selectmen invite public commentary, let’s seize this moment to champion inclusivity. This gesture of support for Pride Month transcends mere symbolism—it is an embrace of our collective humanity. It’s a commitment to ensuring that love and acceptance are not conditional or seasonal but woven into the very fabric of our daily lives.

I invite each of you to lend your voice to this cause. Sign the petition urging our towns to officially declare June as Pride Month. Visit (https://chng.it/kgq7jZh4Sj) or use the QR code to join this pivotal movement. Let’s unite to shape Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor into communities where every individual—regardless of whom they love—feels valued and celebrated, not just in June, but every day. Together, we can make a profound difference, sending a message of unwavering support that resonates throughout Maine and beyond.

Liam Kent

Boothbay