Encourage your leaders to display a Pride flag

by Cheylynn Hayman

Who knew such a tiny flag could make such big waves?

More than a year ago, I started quietly displaying my pride flag on the council dais in protest of a mean-spirited and unnecessary law motivated by misplaced and misguided animus toward members of our LGBTQ community.

Not everyone understood or agreed with my decision.

Some took me to task. How could I be so divisive? So controversial? Couldn’t I just go along to get along?

Some questioned why I continued to display my flag meeting after meeting. A time or two, fine. But hadn’t I made my point? Wouldn’t I stop?

(The law is still in effect so …)

Others supported my decision.

Members of our LGBTQ community, who told me how much they appreciated my pride flag.

Parents of gay teens who reached out to thank me for standing up for their children. For showing that our elected representatives care enough to publicly advocate for them.

But still I wondered … was I making a difference? Was displaying a pride flag in a small, conservative city in Davis County meaningful at all?

Fast forward to now.

I’m proud to say the answer is yes.

I may be only one person. But even a single pebble thrown into a pond will generate ripples.

Important ripples.

Wide ripples.

The types of ripples that, over time, may generate meaningful change.

Until the Legislature revokes its offensive flag law, I will continue to display my pride flag at every city council meeting. And I invite other elected representatives to do the same.

To use our voices, platforms, and protected freedoms of speech to fill city halls around the state with rainbows flags. 🏳️‍🌈 To show the members of our LGBTQ communities that we support them and will stand up for them when it matters.

To show the Legislature that it got it wrong and should fix its mistake.

I hope the Legislature listens.

Until it does, I encourage you to contact and invite your representatives to display pride flags in your own city halls. And you are always welcome to come see my pride flag at every Centerville City council meeting.