Editor,

I am a co-organizer of the Queer Pride Parade on Whidbey. I claim “queer” as a personal and political identification. Captn Blynd believes that “queer” cannot be spoken in love, and that the pride parade is a hate event. I have extended invitations to meet in person, but to no avail. Sir, I know I will never understand how it feels to be you. Words mean something different to everyone, and I do not seek agreement or sameness. My intention is not to convince you that your experiences with the word “queer” are invalid. But your rejection of “queer” does not mean that I, and this community, cannot claim it.

I have thought deeply and listened deeply. Many people who expressed discomfort with the word “queer” last year chose to be open to our reasons and intentions, and joined us in a celebration of love and diversity on Whidbey.

We act with love, and we act with visibility and openness for people who are not like us. The pride parade is not a hate event. We are not a hate group. We celebrate ourselves, and we celebrate you, whichever words you choose to positively identify yourselves with.

I know I’m not alone when I say that our community waits with open arms to listen and to include, should you choose to engage with love and openness. I am willing to participate in a dialogue, but I am not willing to engage in myopic, online bullying with someone who chooses to steep in fear and hatred rather than meeting in person or engaging with their community to find inclusive solutions.

I would be delighted to sit down with you and the Mayor publicly to discuss the Queer Pride Parade and the well-being of our Whidbey community.

And I continue to stand firm in my belief that when my friends and I use the word “queer” it is a loving, revolutionary, inclusive word, and that the parade will remain the Queer Pride Parade, open to all who choose and do not choose that word, as long as they come in love.

BONNIE STINSON

Langley