This letter is in response to comments from Trey Hoffman about PFLAG Peachtree City participating for the first time in this year’s July 4th parade.
This publicity is wonderful because it raises awareness and highlights the importance of our work. Every bit of negativity and discrimination we encounter in public forums such as this newspaper only builds our support base, increases tax-deductible donations (hint — we’re a 501(c)3 non- profit) and confirms that we need to confront misinformation and bigotry.
PFLAG Peachtree City consists of concerned parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and friends of LGBTQ people, as well as people who identify as LGBTQ. We have held support group meetings in Peachtree City since 2012, but some of us have lived here since the 1980s or earlier.
Our agenda is simple — we advocate for equal (not special) rights for people with different sexual orientations or gender identities than the majority in our community and nation.
Toward that end, our float posters declared, “Liberty and Justice for All,” and “We the People means Everyone.”
We are peaceful, law-abiding, tax-paying, productive residents, primarily of Fayette and Coweta counties, who strive to keep families intact and encourage and value LGBTQ people in our community who are denigrated and deprived of their creator-endowed rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Some of us have served in the military and risked our lives to preserve freedom of speech to denounce and discriminate against us or our LGBTQ loved ones.
Sexual orientation and gender identity are not choices but determined before birth. The only choice is whether to reveal one’s authentic self or hide it to avoid being rejected by family and friends or persecuted by society. Who would choose that? Self-denial can negatively impact mental health, possibly causing suicidal thoughts or actions.
Thank you for noticing our rainbow flag in the parade. We look forward to marching next year and hopefully seeing you there. Unlike some organizations, we welcome all participants.
Tori Stivers, President
PFLAG Peachtree City Board of Directors
Peachtree City, Ga.
