How Do Montanans Find Common Ground On This Controversial Topic?

I recently wrote an article about the most friendly LGBTQ city in Montana.

Some folks found that offensive, and I received a few "spirited" comments over the things that I had to say. Like anything controversial, folks hear what they want and then jump to conclusions.

In my original article, I stated the following:

I don't care who marries whom. It's a big world, and if something or someone makes you happy, so be it. I have no desire to tell anyone what they should think or how they should live their lives. Having said that, I expect the same.

It seems some folks took that as me and the radio station I work for endorsing a certain lifestyle, which didn't happen. First, I speak for myself only, and what I said is, I don't care what you do, just leave me to do what I do.

I mean, that's about as Montana as it gets, right?

READ MORE: Is this the most accepting city in Montana?

Then there was the talk of the Pride Flag. I mentioned that cities like Bozeman and Missoula adopted the Pride Flag as their "City Flag". Once again, I didn't say I endorsed this; if you want to know where I stand, I will tell you.

I think the only flags that should ever fly over government property here in Montana are the official city flag, the Montana state flag, and the American flag. That's it. No more, no less. It's not that difficult.

What I don't approve of is picking and choosing what offends us and what we support. If a state official takes it upon themselves to ban a certain message because they disagree with it, yet promote another message because they don't, I think that's wrong.

Elected officials represent everyone in Montana, no matter their beliefs or sexual orientation.

What was meant to be an article highlighting one Montana town's acceptance somehow turned into a strange social media bloodbath, with people making assumptions that weren't true.

But let's be honest, that's what the internet is all about, right?

Oh, and for those of you who are curious, I go to Church every Sunday, I typically vote conservative, and I'm married to a woman. However, I also know that what works for me doesn't work for everyone else, and I'm ok with that.

Get our free mobile app

I wish everyone else were as well.