PRIDE of Ferry County (Written by Marcella Lewis)

Society. A group of individuals that interact on a regular basis, usually subject to the same laws and rules, who share dominant cultural expectations.
But what happens when a portion of society is marginalized? It results in social injustice or inequality and discrimination against others. It progresses to disinformation that rapidly spreads fear and hate. It leads to truly dangerous rhetoric that can have devastating effects upon others. It divides and causes strife amongst humanity.
Marginalization of groups is woven into human history and is currently a central topic dominating our country as individual rights are being stripped, identities erased and marginalized people are being targeted by those currently holding power. Social injustice is a pervasive problem found in societies across the globe and Ferry County is no exception.
Observing social injustice occurring in Republic, “PRIDE of Ferry County” has formed to fight this inequality and to respect and elevate those who are marginalized. Second Vice President and Media Liaison Heather Brice wrote this statement about our purpose:
“We strive to build and bridge communities that welcome and affirm people to be their whole selves, honoring the uniqueness of all individuals and life experiences. We work to resist and interrupt systems of oppression that marginalize individuals and communities based on social identities.
“Ferry County has always and will always have an LGBTQIA+ community and our group hopes to empower that historically marginalized population by building a more equitable society. We are a group comprised of many identities, ages and backgrounds, working together to better our community.”
As individuals, we form a stunning mosaic. The world is a brighter place when we bring our uniqueness to the table. Differing appearances, beliefs, sexuality, gender identification, abilities and personalities make life a truly colorful and exceptional experience and those variations should be celebrated and not persecuted. Diversity has always been a part of humanity. With time and effort, we can make our society one that is just, fair and safe for all.
Some have suggested the elevation of marginalized communities is, in itself, discrimination. Quite the opposite is true: Elevating those who are marginalized is an effective way to help others be seen, valued, respected and to provide for their rights. Elevating a marginalized group does not place it above others but rather promotes equality. While celebration months (such as Black History Month) are meant to boost visibility for a short time, elevation in general should not be limited to one day, one week, one month or one year. Instead, it should occur on a daily basis to effectively create equality. Celebrating differences in no way dishonors or erases other groups. It does not discriminate against others. PRIDE of Ferry County will continue to elevate marginalized individuals and communities to promote equality.
Along with disinformation comes fear. As a group, one of our goals is to address community fears through education and civil discourse. There are people who fear that exposure to the LGBTQ+ community may be harmful or even “contagious.” Interacting with the LGTBQ+ community is no different from interacting with any other group. One is no more likely to “turn queer” by being around the LGBTQ+ community than one is to catch cancer by hugging a cancer patient or to join another race by sitting beside someone of another ethnicity. LGBTQ+ people are no more likely to harm children than other parts of society and any belief to the contrary is groundless (studies have shown, for example, that heterosexual men are more likely to be pedophiles than are homosexual men). The atmosphere in our nation right now is causing people to live with genuine fear and anxiety, especially when we can see mirror images in recent history that led to war, economic collapse and genocide. We need to combat oppression on a global scale, which often means tackling fear, hate and disinformation on the home front. That includes our own county and small towns.
We very much look forward to working with the community to bring acceptance, elevate those who are marginalized, extinguish unfounded fears and create a safe space for all. Please visit us at prideofferrycounty.org.
“Our mission is to celebrate and honor diversity, combat discrimination and preserve the safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors of Ferry County.”
“Our vision is to foster an authentic, diverse and safe Ferry County to encourage better understanding, acceptance and respect for each other where everyone feels heard, secure and valued, while promoting support of the LGBT2QIA2S+ community through compassionate service, creative expression, education and community awareness. Our group comprises people of all genders and sexual orientations. Straight does not equal narrow.”
Marcella Lewis is assistant secretary of PRIDE of Ferry County, published novelist M. Lauryl Lewis, and host of the podcast “Social Injustice LET’S TALK ABOUT IT with Marcella.”