Celebrating diversity

By Liza Draper

In a recent column, Mayor Charlene Lovett emphasized the importance of making Claremont a truly inclusive city where diversity is welcome. We agree completely and are grateful for the support of the mayor. In keeping with the spirit of welcoming diversity, Rural Outright will be holding Rural PRIDE in June and introducing an initiative to encourage local businesses to show their support.

LGBTQ+ youth and adults, as well as supportive members of the community, are invited to join us in celebrating PRIDE month in June. Together with the Stevens High School Gay Straight Trans Alliance (GSTA), we are hosting Rural PRIDE, a free, family-friendly public event on Saturday, June 16, from noon to 4 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, June 17.) We will have magic, music, entertainment, crafts, and much more at the Visitor’s Center Green in Claremont. For more information about who will be performing and vendors, visit tlcfamilyrc.org/ruralpride.html. You can also pre-order Rural PRIDE T-shirts.

Rural Outright has started a campaign to encourage businesses and employers throughout Claremont and Sullivan County to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and affirm inclusivity by displaying “Hate Has No Business Here” signs. This will make it possible for the LGBTQ+ members of our community feel safer and more comfortable as they shop and work in places where they know they are supported.

Complimentary color copies are on hand at TLC’s office. They will also be available from the TLC booth at Rural PRIDE. We think it will be terrific to see more rainbows around town. If you agree, please ask the folks with whom you do business to participate in this campaign.

​For a PDF version of the sign, please visit  tlcfamilyrc.org/hatehasnobusinesshere.html . 

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