In this month of June, several counties and communities in Michigan have made decisions on the demonstration of gay pride and book bans to name just a few topics of debate.

My personal opinion

Firstly, each person as a right to their individual opinion.

Secondly, each person deserves to feel safe in public and in private, to be loved, and have the necessities in life to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

If someone denies another person’s safety, the necessities to thrive and be loved, then in my opinion these denials are an expression of hatred of another person’s existence and rights.

I often hear people speak of or make a statement like, “I have nothing against them! BUT I don’t want it shoved down my throat.” ‘Them’ is a referral to those who identify in the LGBQIA2+ community, persons who want to be referred to using personal pronouns, race, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, and/or cultures different from their own.

While I may not always agree with someone who may appear different than I am or of an opinion different than my own, I do not feel anything is being thrust down my throat. I have learned not to allow anyone to disturb my peace. (Not everyone’s road to peace is easy.)

Hateful and oppressive opinions and their aggressive actions do affect ALL of us.

Thirdly, I do believe that someone we may know or love feels unsafe, unloved, unsupported or have the courageous authenticity or genuine necessities to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

I wave all flags of love including the pride flag because we are all born human.

I can never give another person what I have found in mind, body, and spirit, but I can cause them to have a desire for love and compassion because I believe my purpose, and the commandment given to me is to love my neighbor as myself. If I do not speak and act in the way of love and compassion it would also be a denial of myself.

In my opinion, we would not need flags, ban books, or be fearful of differences if we can all just identify with love and compassion for each other.

May each of us find harmony in mind, body, and spirit to spark the potential within.

Peace,

P.S. HUMAN photo credit, please reach out to me so I may give you proper credit for your artwork.

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