In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign issued a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ Americans, the first time this type of notice has been declared in over 40 years. We saw the highest rise in hate crimes in the US, between 2021 and 2022 when the FBI noted a 32% increase in hate crimes based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. On top of that, homophobic Americans have been murdering LGBTQ allies, including a woman in California who was shot and killed after refusing to take down a pride flag at her business. This hate has resulted in at least 356 anti-LGBTQ incidents of hate and extremism from June 2022 to April 2023.

Thankfully, living in Maine, where we don’t have restrictive legislation on gender identity or care, is wonderful. That’s freedom. Our state is in line with the Human Rights Campaign’s call to action to keep LGBTQ community members safe. However, that doesn’t mean we as a community are doing what we need to do to ensure our community feels safe.

My roots in Maine are winding, but my time residing here has been short. I have not lived in Winslow for two years, but it has become abundantly clear to me that our town is lacking compassion and grace on a public scale. I am sure that the majority in this municipality are kind-hearted and loving neighbors. Unfortunately, that doesn’t cancel out the hate all over our town’s community pages. I have noticed these declarations of hate are coming from a few of the same people.

And while I don’t know your faces, I certainly know your names. I won’t say them here, but please know that none of you are people I want near my children and are not people I will look to for guidance as my devotion to this community grows. I also want to make sure those commenters are aware that I will be here from now on, and I won’t be quiet.

As an Air Force veteran who served for a decade overseas and away from my family, I did not leave that service behind to move here and watch my neighbors be bullied by child-like adults.

If anyone is in need of a safe space or an advocate, I am here for you. If anyone has a child working through their identity or orientation and they need a friend who can help raise that child in a safe space, I am here for you. If anyone wants to discuss ideas on how we can create an inclusive and friendly community, I am here for you.

For everyone else, I am here and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Taylor White

Winslow