Letters of Pride: Andrea Calise

MyRye.com is publishing a series of letters of support for raising the Pride flag on City flagpoles. The letters were sent to the City ahead of the City Council voting to fly the flag, and are a matter of public record.

From: andrea calise

Subject: Pride Flag

Date: April 23, 2021 at 2:57:56 PM EDT

To: Josh <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>,
<[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>,<[email protected]>

Dear City Council,

I am writing to communicate my support for the Pride flag to be raised during the month of June.

As a LGBT member of this community, I am dismayed by the council’s reluctance to demonstrate that Rye aspires to be an inclusive community.

I specifically say “aspire” as this town has a very long way to go — so much so that my family has often considered moving.

My family, including my children, have been subjected to discrimination and offensive remarks on many occasions in this town and in our schools. Some of these comments have been simply ignorant and others have been hostile. These types of actions, as well as the bias reporting by the town press, perpetuate those attitudes and behaviors that make this town less than hospitable for the LGBT community and others.

It’s time for leadership to stand-up and lead this town out of thinking that doesn’t belong in this century.

Sincerely,

Andrea Calise