Last Saturday – the day of the Portland Pride parade – my Pride flag was stolen from the front of my home on a quiet residential street in South Portland. To compound their shameful behavior, the thieves even took the flagpole. I know other Pride flags were stolen as well.

Here in Maine, we like to think that we “take care of each other.” We are neighborly people; we’re always ready to help out; we live and let live. Unfortunately, at the moment, this is not the whole story.

Across the country, cynical far-right politicians have proposed or enacted hundreds of bills aimed at dehumanizing LGBTQ+ people, who are our friends and family members. Luckily, most of this is occurring far from Maine. It’s easy to believe in the goodness of our own friendly, progressive cities and towns. Make no mistake, this cruel national power play has unleashed hate here as well.

Pride flags symbolize love and respect for all people. These are qualities most of us strive to uphold. Sadly, not all of our neighbors share this ideal. Be aware, hate crimes can happen here too. These crimes flourish in silence. Let’s step up and proclaim loudly that we stand on the side of love. Perhaps then the hate will stop.

Mary Wheeler
South Portland