This commentary was contributed by former Hollister resident Dee Martin. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aquí. 

I would like to sincerely thank Supervisor Angela Curro and the members of the board who voted to approve this year’s Pride proclamation. Last year’s cancellation was more than a procedural decision. For many LGBTQ residents and their loved ones, it felt like a public statement that they belonged in our community—but not fully, and not equally.

Your support sends a meaningful message that every member of our community deserves to be seen, respected, and included.

I also want to acknowledge the lone opposing vote. You are MY Supervisor and I am your constituent. While I respectfully disagree with that decision, the very foundation of Pride is respect — respect for differences, respect for personal beliefs, and respect for the humanity of others. Inclusion does not require us all to think the same. It simply asks that we recognize each other’s dignity.

LGBTQ people are not outsiders to our community. They are our neighbors, coworkers, family members, business owners, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers. If your house catches fire, the firefighter who rushes in to save your family could be gay or transgender. The paramedic responding to a medical emergency could be bisexual. The nurse caring for someone in their hardest moment could be lesbian. In those moments, what matters is not who they love — it is their courage, compassion, and humanity.

Pride is not about demanding agreement from everyone. It is about ensuring that every person in our community is treated with dignity and respect.

Even Pope Leo XIV has spoken about unity, peaceful coexistence, and the importance of welcoming all people with compassion rather than division. We do not strengthen our communities by excluding people. We strengthen them by recognizing the humanity we all share.

We all have convictions. The question is whether those convictions lead us to judge our neighbors or to love them. The example Christ set was not one of exclusion, but of reaching out to those whom others had pushed aside.

There is room for all of us here.

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