Divisions in Montana hurt equality efforts
Caitlin Copple with Pride Foundation board member (and party co-host) Shelley Hayes in Billings
LGBTQ organizing in Montana faces several barriers. The sheer vastness of our state has led to a sense of competition between Montana’s cities. After my recent tour of Billings, Bozeman, Butte and Missoula, I believe more than ever that we can rise above our geographic differences and build a solid statewide community. I hope that Montanans can start a conversation that acknowledges our regional differences but that also brings us together to work toward our shared goal of equality.
As part of the LGBTIQA Summit at the University of Montana in Missoula being held this fall, I will be moderating a panel discussion on the east-west divide, and urban and rural needs in our community. It’s sure to be a great conversation about movement building in Montana.
If you didn’t know, Montana is the fourth biggest state in the U.S. It takes five hours to drive from Missoula to Billings, the largest city in the state, and Billings lies south of the smack-dab center of the state. However, Billings is the gateway to the eastern side of the state. The people who call it home are proud that it has a different vibe from cities west of the divide.
Before I was hired as Montana’s Regional Development Organizer, I had run into the east-west divide in our community. There is a perception that Missoula sees itself as Montana’s real “big city” despite Billings’ significantly larger population, and that the gay community here wants everyone to come to its events but doesn’t show up when the fundraisers or drag shows that happen beyond our backyard. Missoula is supposedly where all the liberals live, and many LGBTQ people feel it is the only safe place to live in Montana and can be quick to say so, even though many of us have never lived elsewhere in the state.
Amy White addresses the party in Billings.
After holding Meet & Greet events in Billings, Butte and Missoula in February, I came away with a profound sense of possibility and gratitude. Together, these events raise more than $4,000 in support of Pride Foundation’s work in Montana. Many generous supporters played host and sponsored these events with the hope that our state can strengthen our vibrant LGBTQ voice.
City pride will always exist and playful competition can be fun, but when it comes to pushing for LGBTQ equality we are clearly stronger working together to share ideas and stories, to challenge lawmakers and education leaders to make it better, and to nurture local leadership in our community.
I’d also like to invite all of you to continue this conversation by emailing me at [email protected] or better yet, showing up to the LGBTIQA Summit this fall at the University of Montana in Missoula.
I’d like to sign off with a shout out to all my new friends in Billings, Bozeman, Butte and Missoula for their generosity and willingness challenge and lead the equality movement in Montana. Check out the Facebook photo albums from our events in Billings, Butte and Missoula.
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Great read, cheers to bringing it all together!