Open letter to North Carolina LGBT community

Dear North Carolina LGBT Community,

A lot has been written about the mean-spirited legislation your State Legislature passed and Republican Governor, Pat McCrory recently signed into law. Without going into the details, we all understand the message: The LGBT community is not welcome in North Carolina and those who wish to discriminate against the LGBT community can now do so freely with the blessing of the state.

While North Carolina is a beautiful state, home to many wonderful people, it is hard for me to understand how a state can categorically write-off their LGBT community.  The LGBT community has been instrumental in revitalizing neighborhoods like the South End in Charlotte and comprise a growing professional demographic that the state needs if they are to continue to court new employers to relocate to the area.

“If you do not feel welcome in North Carolina anymore many states will welcome you with open arms; Massachusetts included.”

Massachusetts is familiar with bigotry in all its forms but I suppose we are lucky to live in a state where the LGBT community is celebrated and not shunned. Our own governor (a Republican no less) is a staunch supporter of gay rights. I don’t write this to brag – I write this to let you know you deserve to be respected and would be welcomed with open arms in many states; Massachusetts included.

I applaud those who choose to stay in North Carolina and fight to change the law and the hearts of those who supported it, but for those who want to live in a state where the LGBT community is celebrated; not perceived as a social ill, come visit us in Massachusetts. From Northampton to Provincetown — Massachusetts has communities large and small where the LGBT community is viewed as an asset. If you come to the area to visit this spring or summer, let me know and I’ll be the first to buy you a drink and say, “Welcome to Massachusetts“.

With all my love,
BosGuy