I read with interest Jinita Boyd’s opinion about the recent Pride in the Park Celebration at West End Park on July 13th. I respect her opinion, but I just don’t agree with it.

I attended the celebration and found it to be fun, welcoming and well attended. Kim (my wife) and I know several LGBTQ people and are close friends. It just doesn’t matter. At all. But let me back up.

I grew up on a farm near Beaman and attended School at BCL (now BCLUW) in the 60s and 70s, graduating in 1978. I remember those times quite well. While we like to brag about how good those times were, for some kids and adults it wasn’t so good.

You see, if you were LGBTQ during those years, you really couldn’t tell anybody, even your parents. You were there, but part of you stayed in the shadows. Slurs like “Homo” and “Lezzy” were thrown around a lot by kids and adults who just didn’t understand that it was caused by how people are wired at birth, not by choice. Talking behind people’s back and finger pointing happened all too often.

Everyone knew people who were “different” and you suspected, but never knew for sure. I am so glad those judgmental days are over!

We are smarter today about LGBTQ issues than we were back then. People are people. I say that it’s not “who” you are, or “what” you are, it’s “HOW” you are. Get it?

Are you kind? Welcoming? Honest? Are you just a good person? Sexual orientation has nothing to do with it. Be you!

As a City Councilor, I try to attend as many events as possible. I can’t make them all, but I do try. I hope the event organizers have Pride in the Park next year, I will do my best to attend.

Also, our City does not discriminate against who wants to use our facilities. I am proud of the residents of Marshalltown. Together, we are really doing great things.

Perhaps if some could put down their prejudices and “Old school beliefs,” they could see it too.