Headlines from the Granite State
Pappas on Pride
US Congressman Chris Pappas marked the start of Pride month with a message of inspiration, which read in part:
“As a gay person growing up, I wasn’t always sure there would be a place for me. But Granite Staters welcomed me for who I am, and I could not be prouder to serve them in Congress and fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Hampshire and across the country.
“In light of the challenges our community continues to face, I want to say to every person who may find themselves wondering what the future holds for them: you are seen, you are supported, and you deserve the chance to be yourself. So be proud of who you are. We must continue to work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and protects personal freedoms. That is how we will continue to change our nation and world for the better.”
Pappas serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and is New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress. Earlier this year, he declared his candidacy to represent the Granite State in the US Senate.
‘Postponed’ event
Following criticism from community members, including the leader of the Rye Republican Town Committee, reports Seacoast Online, the Rye Public Library “postponed” an education program called “Practical Allyship 101,” scheduled for May 29, by New Hampshire Outright.
The library’s announcement, signed by the library’s board chair, JoAnn Hodgdon, stated, “The Rye Public Library strives to maintain a neutral approach in its programming and does not advocate for any particular position or ideology.”
Seacoast asked Hodgdon why the board indicated that “Allyship 101” was “ideological” and how postponing it would keep the library “neutral.” She replied she could not speak for the five-member board.
Said NH Outright Executive Director Heidi Carrington Heath, “Our training program is a well-researched and well-reviewed program designed to build stronger communities for everyone, including and especially LGBTQ+ youth. The curriculum is rooted in more fully understanding LGBTQ+ identity and how to create safe and welcoming spaces. Public libraries are spaces rooted in learning and the free exchange of information and ideas. To attempt to limit access to ideas or concepts that make us uncomfortable is the antithesis of their role and mission.”
Bathroom bill
In late May, the state’s Senate approved House Bill 148, allowing, though not mandating, that bathrooms, locker rooms, sports and correctional facilities may be separated by “biological sex” and not by gender identity. The bill, which then-Gov. Sununu vetoed last year, now moves to Governor Kelly Ayotte’s desk.
Concord Senator Tara Reardon called the bill “dehumanizing” and “poisoning,” according to the Condor Monitor. “All people deserve to feel safe,” Reardon said. “Does that mean that only applies to people that we get to choose whether they’re safe or not? Because someone does not conform to the societal expectation that we have set for them—or you have set for them—this safety does not extend to them as well?”
Community comes through for Keene
For the past three years, Walmart has been one of Keene Pride’s largest sponsors. In 2024 alone, Keene Pride says, Walmart donated $7K. However, this year Walmart Corp. notified the volunteer-run nonprofit—which organizes over 30 LGBTQ+ events each year as well as the Keene Pride Festival and Keen Pride Week—that the company was pulling all fundraising from such organizations.
So Keene Pride called on the community, and the community came through. As of May 31, they’d topped their goal of $7K by hitting over $7.5K and the donations are still coming in to help create safe and inclusive spaces all year long, and at the Keene Pride Festival, which will take place, at downtown Keene, on Sunday, September 21.
More: keenepride.org