STEPPING STONES: - “What LGBTQIAP+ Neighbors Wish Taylor County Knew”
In Taylor County, we pride ourselves on being good neighbors. We help each other through hard times, wave to strangers, and show up when someone’s in need. But what happens when some of our neighbors don’t feel safe — not because of anything they’ve done, but because of who they are?
Pride Stride attendees, made up of LGBTQ+ folks and allies, were asked to share what’s missing in Taylor County — what would make life better, safer, and more welcoming. The answers weren’t extreme or political. They asked for the basics: support groups, youth clubs in schools, signs in shop windows that say “you’re welcome here.” They asked for teachers who speak up, events that include everyone, and leaders who don’t pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
Many shared that they don’t feel safe walking through town, going to school, or even being open in their own extended families and jobs. Of the community members who took the survey, more than half said they had been bullied or harassed specifically due to their LGBTQ+ identity or for their allyship; many report being targeted multiple times. At school, only 33% of respondents said they feel “very safe.” Most staggering of all, only 13% of those surveyed report feeling very safe out in the community. Mind you, about 50% of survey respondents were allies. Even in their own homes or friendships, a few reported lacking the safety and security we all deserve. The message these numbers communicate to us is clear… we’ve got to do better.
These aren’t people asking for attention. They’re asking for safety and respect.
One attendee wrote, “I was beaten up by classmates because I have family members who are gay.” Another said, “The bullying in our schools is shameful.” Yet, there’s hope in their words too. “You don’t need to come out until you’re ready,” one person offered. “You are worthy of love and safety.” Another said simply, “Keep looking for your people — they’re around.”
LGBTQ+ people are already part of Taylor County. They’re business owners, students, churchgoers and everything in between. Many of them love this community, even when it hasn’t always loved them back. One message read: “We’re just trying to live our lives — the same as you.”
If we mean what we say about being neighborly, then we owe it to each other to do better. A sticker in a window. A teacher who intervenes. A parent who listens. These are small acts that carry real weight.
No one is asking you to change your beliefs — just to treat people with the kindness and respect we all deserve. And we don’t have to agree on everything to agree that no one deserves to be bullied, beaten, harassed, or made to feel unwanted.
