LGBTQ Democrats draw mixed response at Christmas parade
News December 16, 2019
HAYESVILLE, NC – Emotions ran high from both critics and supporters of the LGBTQ Democrats of North Carolina’s participation in the Clay County Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 14. LGBTQ is an acronym that represents the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning community. The political group followed on foot behind a holiday float sponsored by the Democrat Women of the Tri-county, carrying a banner that represented the identity of the organization.
In a region that continues to hold true to its Christian, conservative roots, the alternative lifestyle display was not well-received by many local residents. The majority of objectors stated that the Christmas parade, themed “Through the Eyes of a Child,” was not the proper place to promote what they deemed an unwelcomed political agenda.
“Children have these issues thrown in their faces all the time – on tv shows, social media, and in life every day,” one opponent of the group wrote online. “If that is your lifestyle choice, fine, and I have a few friends that are gay, but they just try to live their lives and don’t push it on anyone else. Why make a scene or get attention?”
Another reacted, “Surely not in our hometown.”
Others, however, reached out in support of LGBTQ Democrats of North Carolina.
“I am a local minister’s wife and was delighted to see a group walking in peace and love despite obvious local and vocal opposition to both Democrats and members of the community,” Susan, who requested that her last name be withheld, said. “Any young person in our community who is wondering if they might be a member of the community may have felt comfort in knowing that there is a place for them in a place that is usually dominated by judgment and exclusion.”
FYN contacted the Clay County Democratic Party for their take on the controversy.
“The Clay County Democratic Party is inclusive and supports the rights of all citizens, those of the LGBTQ community included,” Local Chair Barbara Lanwermeyer said. “We are happy the LGBTQ Democrats of NC joined along with the Tri-County Democratic Women of NC’s float in the Clay County Christmas Parade, an expression of seasonal engagement, communal celebration, and holiday joy.”
Cindy Nodine and Jan Chatterton, Co-Presidents of LGBTQ NC Democrats of Cherokee and Clay County, expressed that the group enjoyed participating in the seasonal event. “We feel very loved and accepted in this small town because so many people do show their love of Jesus by being like Jesus. So much kindness, sharing and giving goes on here in Hayesville. That is what “Christ”mas” is all about anyways, right?”
The state organization’s website claims that the purpose of the LGBTQ Democrats of North Carolina is to work within the North Carolina Democratic Party, providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure; securing full equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning Citizens through effective legislation and policies; electing pro-equality Democrats to office and encouraging LGBTQ persons to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policy-making and public service.
“The Democrat Women of the Tri-county were delighted to have invited the recently formed LGBTQ Democrats of Cherokee and Clay counties to join us in the local Christmas parades,” President of Democrat Women of the Tri-county Susan Landris told FYN. “Several of our members belong to both groups. The NC Democrat party includes many affiliate groups and caucuses such as Young Democrats and African American Democrats of NC. Our participation in the Christmas parade was not political and no different than a church group or veteran’s group. Other than the required identification of our group by banners or shirts, we simply handed out candy and bells which fit with our Polar Express theme. Although there may be some discomfort or disagreement with any group participating in a public event, our behavior, purpose, and presentation were entirely appropriate for the occasion.”
As always, FYN welcomes public feedback from the citizens that we strive to serve.
Feature Image Credit: Clay County Democratic Party
5 Comments
This makes me so sad. And, I’m confused about Susan. A “ministers” wife in support?? I’m a born again Christian. I love everyone with the love Jesus has for me, but I do NOT support sin. We, as Born Again Believers love the Sinner but hate the sin. We are all Sinners, but, I am saved by Grace and no longer live in a sinful lifestyle. The Bible is extremely clear about homosexuality and all that goes along with it. Why oh why do “they” feel the need to broadcast their sinful lifestyle in the faces of everyone? Little children? This was NOT the venue to do this, if they feel they must do this. I can only pray for them, their choice, this Nation. Their relationship with this sin is between them and God. We will ALL will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ and answer for our sin and our choices. I choose to turn away from the Sun of this world. I choose Salvation and eternity with Jesus. You can’t choose Christ, and choose sin at the same time.
So glad that I left the democrat party. Their agenda has changed so much. ie: support abortion, support lgbtq agenda, which should be kept to ones self, and being known for pushing these things in the faces of our children. Politics used to be about who is going to bring jobs, making laws that Affect our communities fairly , bringing progress to our citizens. Not getting involved with pushing a certain lifestyle on our citizens. And not making fun of the Christian values that Have been passed on for the centuries since our Lord, Jesus Christ was crucified on the Cross. Yes, there is still a Heaven and a Hell. Heaven is beautiful and pure, and free for the asking, and Hell is still a place of torment and death all around. As the saying goes, there is still a hell, and hell is still hot.
“…an unwelcomed political agenda.”
Yeah; scary foreign concepts like basic fairness, equality, the 14th Amendment, and simple human kindness are so passé these days.
Good for them; I’m proud to have them as friends and neighbors!
While not addressing any of the other varieties of viewpoints expressed here, the particular contention that it is in any way harmful for children to simply see and be aware that LGBT people exist in society is the height of ignorance. Parents, teachers, clergy, etc. who make this assertion are themselves poorly educated, and resultingly unfit to educate their own children.
Is it the LGBT aspect, or simply the uncomfortable situation that some straight parents find themselves in in having to address the reality of human sexual relations generally that perturbs them?
Children do not Learn to be LGBT, nor are they harmed in any way by the awareness of LGBT people. The discomfort felt by some in straight society is a neurosis which was nurtured by their own parents and other elders. Their problems, while real, are theirs to deal with. Passing on their issues to their children with messaging of “Be Afraid!” amounts to child abuse. Get over it – for the good of your kids.
So proud of the LGBTQ community’s participation in their county’s Christmas Parade. Jesus loves us all. To celebrate with your “framily” is true to the season of sharing.