LGBTQ community sees fear, persecution in Easton
“We the people,” the words that begin the Constitution are words that refer to us, all of us. The Declaration of Independence states we are all created equal. Not some people: all of us. We are a free people in a land we love and cherish, who should live without fear of persecution for being who we are.
But unfortunately, we have seen the Republican Party promote fear and persecution against the LGBTQ community, and it has reared its ugly head in our town. The queer community in Easton and Talbot County at large is a strong, vocal and diverse community that has always been here. It’s not a new phenomenon, we didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Only recently have we shown how proud we are and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by those who came before with Delmarva pride. But some on the Easton Town Council see us as a threat.
Our esteemed Town Council President, Frank Gunsallus, and Councilman David Montgomery seem to believe that the freedom of expression by the LGBTQ community here in Easton, granted by the Constitution, is abhorrent, not only to themselves but also to society.
We as a community are not “a socialist endeavor” as the council president asserted. Councilman Montgomery said on June 3, “I did not hear a single word in our last meeting that in any way constituted an attack or a slur on any individual person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual, queer or anything else.” Yet he uttered in the same breath, “We were discussing, first an issue about the town, displaying Pride flags, and that I would simply say that I do not believe it is the town’s business to make everyone feel good about their identity.”
If that’s the case, then you could make an argument about other town events like Waterfowl, St. Patrick’s Day parade, Christmas parade, Fourth of July festivities, and the art and ice sculpture festivals. These events, you could say, make people “feel good about their identity,” whether a Christian celebrating Christmas, someone of Irish heritage, an artist, a resident of the shore, or even as an American.
Gunsallus failed to mention any other “ideological group” he would disfavor, further proving his deliberate attack on gay pride. At the crux of the uproar is his proposed legislation to prohibit the expenditure of county funds to support “ideologies.” He proposes it as a measure merely aimed at fiscal responsibility. Ironically, it is fiscally irresponsible, as the measure would jeopardize annual events that bring revenue to the town. This is first a discrimination issue for the town, but also an economic issue.
This isn’t a game. Pride is and was meant first as a protest, fighting for the same basic rights that heterosexual people enjoy.
I will always remember the six words displayed on the town council dais in which the council sits: “Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.” I question if this council is upholding these principles that are the foundation of our town.
Can Easton citizens now feel they can trust the council to represent these values? Councilman Montgomery and council President Gunsallus don’t seem to care about or respect the people who have opened their hearts inclusively to all who visit Easton.
We, as a community, stand united against this latest insult by two of the town council members. Fortunately, the council does not speak as one voice on this issue. Mayor Megan Cook, council members Maureen Curry, Don Abbatiello and the Rev. Elmer Davis, who constitute a majority of the council, spoke for themselves and made their support for the LGBTQ community clear. This speaks volumes. I know that their support is appreciated.
If President Gunsallus dares to bring up for a vote this measure that he proposes, I hope it will be resoundingly defeated.
Gunsallus will serve as council president until April 2025. We don’t know if he will run for re-election. I implore all residents of Easton to remember this sorry incident during the campaign for election of the next council president.
Will the new council president uphold the values of the town inscribed on their dais? Do we want more political fights and controversy that divide us? Or do we want someone who will stand up for us all and protect the values Easton purports to uphold? I leave you with that choice.
Rudy Reyes is a resident of Easton and a member of the Talbot County Democratic Forum.
