State Rep. Brandi Bradley wrote a column titled “Being pro America is not about hating anyone.” If this is true, I question why the representative chose to call the LGBTQIA community “groomers” in her Fourth of July post. Ms. Bradley could have simply posted about America's birthday without including derogatory statements towards marginalized groups. If anything, this statement was the complete opposite of being pro America, a country founded on freedom and a melting pot of people from all different backgrounds. A record number of bills aimed to limit the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA people were introduced this year including a couple of Rep. Bradley's own bills. If Ms. Bradley feels that Pride month has become amplified and is an attempt to elevate the LGBTQIA community, maybe it is because this community is so under attack. Are Bradley's bills and social media posts the words and actions of someone who touts being pro America and loving Christian? Having a representative use their platform to amplify the narrative against the LGBTQIA community is not healthy for our community and only seeks to divide further. Douglas County and HD 39 deserve better.

Margaret Furlow

Highlands Ranch