that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This experience is unfortunately common for the approximately 10.7 million adults in the U.S. The dangers of being openly gay in the wrong place are very real.” “There are times I’ve absolutely had to suppress who I am because it didn’t feel safe for me or my family.
Pace (any pronoun) knows what it’s like to not feel welcomed - let alone valued or supported - because of her orientation. “Flying the Pride flag in June declares that Hillsboro welcomes, supports, and values the Queer community this month and all year long.” “It’s a statement that Hillsboro doesn’t just ‘tolerate’ or ‘accept’ the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Pace, the City’s first openly gay Councilor. Watching the rainbow-colored Pride flag wave over the Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza makes Hillsboro City Councilor Beach Pace, well, proud.
