Every day, ordinary people are still being attacked for their sexual orientation and gender identity, leading to members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters of the upcoming Itasca Pride Festival to stand their ground at the Grand Rapids City Council meeting on Monday, as opponents of the festival urged the council to revoke the permit allowing the LGBTQ+ to hold their event at Old Central School, in Grand Rapids next month.
During the Public Forum portion of the meeting, several community members spoke directly to the council in opposition of the Pride event scheduled for June 23, expressing fear and concern over the festival, with one of the speakers saying the event is a “violation of natural law,” and that a Pride event in Grand Rapids will attract attention to the community with assumptions that “we all support these violations.”
The speaker suggested the actions and lifestyle of the LGBTQ+ are a sin that should be rejected and urged the permit to be revoked by the city council on these grounds.
Another speaker present expressed opposition for the event to the council and also proposed they revoke the permit and have the event be moved to a private location. She suggested that the Itasca Pride event is unethical and will subject children to a dangerous environment.
Community members that were present in support of the event strongly rebuked those who spoke in opposition, with the message that they are human beings who have the right to be affirmed and accepted into the community they live in, same as anyone else.
“I’m not a sin, I’m a human being, and I deserve to be treated with as much dignity as anyone else in the world,” said one member.
People supportive of the pride event shared personal stories of insults, abuse, and violence; some of which they have experienced locally, simply for being true to themselves.
They called for the end of public rhetoric and to no longer use scripture to “keep people private and away.”
The speakers told about the experiences of minority groups being targeted and bullying and pointed out the alarming suicide rate amongst the LGBTQ+ community.
“Help people feel safe,” as they asked the city council to stand against the hate they are up against.
“Grand Rapids can be a leader - this is the time to step your foot forward and be a leader.”
Members of the LGBTQ+ community were not the only speakers in support of their efforts. Other allies to the community spoke directly to the city council - allies that are Christian, heterosexual, and others who feel no threat by a local Pride event taking place in their community.
“I think you’re great, and I’m glad you’re all fighting for your rights,” said one man directly to the gallery of speakers.
“We’re all people, why can’t we just get along with each other, why can’t we love each other? Why do we have to fight?” Another ally asked.
“What’s going on that day?” asked Sutherland, who did well to ease tension in the room by calling out common misconceptions and asking those in support to inform the room what is taking place at the event that day.
One of the event organizers said at the June 23, Pride event will feature two musical performers, a political speaker, and potentially 4-5 drag performers who they insisted are fully-clothed as they lip sync to non-profane music.
In addition to the performances, food trucks, a beer tent, and other vendors will be present at the festival, followed by an interfaith service with a Presbyterian Church.
The Grand Rapids City Council offered no comments during the Public Forum, as it is an opportunity for the citizens to express their opinions, rather than engage in a dialogue with the council members.
Mayor Tasha Connelly introduced some Positive Happenings taking place around Grand Rapids, mentioning the Free Range Food Co-op site announcement in Northwest Grand Rapids at the old Kremer’s building, and the groundbreaking for the L&M Distribution center, which she said is a “$55 million dollar facility that is adding good paying jobs and to the local tax-base.”
Connelly also publicly acknowledged the Grand Rapids Police Department and all associated officers for National Police Week, which runs through Saturday, May 18.
“We thank them for their community policing which we all pride ourselves on, being active and engaged in our community and they certainly lead with respect, honor, and integrity. I’m just very grateful for their public service.”
Councilor Tom Sutherland remembered his former partner and good friend who has since passed while serving the state as a game warden.
He also welcomed the “unbelievable amount of people in Grand Rapids” who are in our area for the fishing opener.
“It’s unbelievable for our town, our community– I’ve never seen more people fishing in a town in the 18 years I’ve been a warden,” said Sutherland.
Councilor Dale Adams spoke about the shortage of housing and the positive feedback he received from the rotary at a recent event as those problems are actively being tackled.
Councilor Rick Blake talked about Larry Lehtinen, president and CEO of MagIron LLC, who is trying to restart Plant 4, along with a number of investors. They project $150 million a year to be pumped through the local economy if the plant successfully restarts, which Blake says would create “good jobs.”
“There’s a lot happening in Grand Rapids, and in our area.”
Other orders of business at the city council meeting included:
-Passed a resolution accepting donations from the City of Cohasset and Harris Township for financial assistance with the July 4, fireworks display. City Administrator Tom Pagel offered a “public thank you” to the City of Cohasset and Harris Township for their contribution.
-Approved certain lender documents related to the L&M Supply Distribution Center Project.
-Authorized Yanmar Arena to enter advertising agreements with local businesses.
-Accepted $2,450 in cash donations and $405 in-kind donations to Grand Rapids Police Department from various sources to support Open-Source INTernet (OSINT) Training.
-Authorized GRPD to hire a paid summer intern.
-Authorized Pokegama Golf Course to hire staff for the 2024 season, and adjust hourly wages.
-Awarded a contract to TNT Construction Group for the Rain Garden Inlet Improvements Project
-Approved the purchase of service body truck equipment for public works.
-Approved a seasonal liquor license for Grand Rapids Speedway Inc.
-Approved the City Administrator Goals for 2024
-Adopted resolutions approving Use Agreements with GRAHA and SNC.
-Accepted the resignation of Roger Mischke from the Pokegama Golf Board.
-Approved final payment in the amount of $36,409.30 for Work Scope 4 of the Civic Center project and approved change orders.
-Accepted the 2023 audited financial reports.
-Approved the verified claims for the period April 16, to May 6, totaling $1,568,621.79 which includes $237,500 of debt service payments.
The next Grand Rapids City Council meeting is scheduled for May 28, at 5 p.m.
The Grand Rapids City Council meeting can be found online at watchictv.org/
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