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This is an open letter to those who choose to spread their hate in our community. Those who steal pride flags, bear misinformation as a weapon, and use religion as a shroud.
There is no joy, relief or victory for you on this path. We have always existed. We will always exist. We will continue to love, grow, raise children, and foster queer joy. We will always champion our right to exist.
Your disgust in pride symbols is your disgust in our fight to be recognized as legitimate human beings. In the 90’s it was resisting the criminalization of our very existence. In the 2000’s it was our right to have our marriages legally recognized. Today it is our right to equal healthcare. Pride is a part of that fight, a reminder that we are here, will always be here, and are joyous to be here.
It truly does not matter how much you hate us. You can speak against us, you can gather like-minded peers, you can vote against our happiness, our lives, and our peace. We will still be here. You will only exhaust yourself over a creed that means so very little in a lifetime.
If you do not want to accept us in kindness, then accept us in selfishness. You live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and would choose to spend your time spreading false claims and raising fear rather than enjoying it. Accept us to save yourself a lifetime of misery and anger again and again and again as we continue to thrive and love.
If you cannot accept us at all then look away. We have always existed, and we will always exist.
Ailya Marxen Grand Marais
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