By LAUREEN BOLL | Guest Columnist
The taxpayer could be on the hook for a Rainbow Prom, an event for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) youth this weekend at the Southridge Recreation Center.
The event is sponsored by Castle Rock (CR) Pride. Per the event registration site, “this vibrant and inclusive event is open to ages 14-19, welcoming members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies for a night of celebration and unity.”
Grouping people based on immutable characteristics – in this case sexual orientation and gender identity – and treating them differently is segregation.
The Plessy v. Ferguson case in 1896 legalized racial segregation as long as facilities for each race, such as schools, were equal in quality. This ‘separate but equal’ doctrine was overturned in 1954 with the infamous Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka case.
What’s striking about segregation of the 20th century versus today’s version is who is instigating it. One hundred years ago, the population majority (whites) wanted to be separated from the population minority (blacks). Today, the population minority (LGBTQ) wants to be shielded from the population majority (non-LGBTQ). The request for segregation is being led by groups like CR Pride.
CR Pride formed in 2019 and got a boost in their credibility when they received a grant from Douglas County Commissioners in 2023 as part of a process of allocating monies to non-profit organizations that are focused on suicide prevention. In their grant application, CR Pride noted their involvement with Douglas County’s Pridefest, and stated “PrideFest is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ community and allies but not for all of Douglas County.” [emphasis added]. CR Pride also stated their goal of having a “positive social connection to peers and access to safe adults.”
CR Pride was very transparent in stating their belief that hosting segregated entertainment events for youth will lower suicide risks of said youth. Reasonable people will question how sequestering youth from their peers and society-at-large will be beneficial and yield resilient adults. Apparently, the two county commissioners who voted for providing the grant to CR Pride believe that segregating youths is a beneficial suicide prevention tactic, and a beneficial use of taxpayer funds and/or resources.
Douglas County residents should be concerned that taxpayer monies are being used to fund programs that may have deleterious effects on vulnerable youth. If you are, contact Commissioners Abe Laydon, District I; George Teal, District II; and Lora Thomas, District III at 303-660-7401 or [email protected].
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.