The city council of Minot, North Dakota had a hearing recently over complaints from citizens over an LGBTQ Pride flag flown by the city. With several people claiming they were being oppressed because of fabric, one council person clearly had enough.
Councilwoman Carrie Evans took her time to shut down one of the bigots calling for the removal of the flag by telling them she is an out lesbian.
And the fire in her voice when she did took the internet by storm.
Minot had raised the Pride Flag this month in celebration of the city's LGBTQ+ residents. While it was initially scheduled to coincide with Pride Month in June, issues from the pandemic forced them to delay.
But a group of citizens decided they didn't like the flag being up at all and went to the council to complain about it.
In the above video, after a quick exchange reminding one Mr. Walker about the time rules, Councilwoman Evans spoke about her experience and why the Pride Flag was so important to her.
"Mr. Walker, if you're not aware, and I think a lot of people in this room are not aware and have come here just because this is a gay issue, I am proudly the first openly elected lesbian in North Dakota. So that is why I am not paying any heed to your crap!"
Later in her speech, Evans said:
"Me having a flag flying does not take away anything from your rights. But you know what it does for me? It shows me I live in a city that appreciates and embraces me and my community. And I can live here and feel safe."
Many online felt their own pride in the response Evans gave.
After closing her speech out—during which at least one member of the audience started clapping—Walker was allowed to respond. Which he did by not really reading the room after that amazing speech.
He said:
"Thank you for exposing yourself and your anger."
While she wasn't actively hiding it, local paper The Dickinson Press says this is the first time Evans declared her sexual orientation publicly.
And there's no better time to declare who you are than in defiance of a bigot.
Councilwoman Evans, we're very proud of your defense of LGBTQ+ equality. Keep showing your pride.
