Letter: Homophobia has no place in Fishers • Current Publishing

Letter to the Editor: Fishers Pride Festival

Introduction

I was thrilled to attend the first Fishers Pride festival on September 7. The event brought together a diverse mix of people and featured arts and crafts, a silent auction for charity, local vendors, and family-friendly performances. Performers entertained the audience by lip-syncing to children’s songs.

False Accusations

To my surprise, a small group of citizens, members of Fishers One, and leaders of the Hamilton County Republican Party, have spread lies about this event. They falsely claim that the performances were sexualized and inappropriate for children.

Rebuttal

These accusations are completely false. In fact, had those who are complaining actually attended the event, they would have seen that the performers wore more clothing and presented a far more family-friendly performance than anyone would see at a Colts game watching the cheerleaders perform at halftime.

Rooted in Homophobia and Bigotry

It is evident that the lies spread about the LGBTQ+ community are not based on concern for the well-being of children. Instead, they are rooted in homophobia and bigotry, which have no place in Fishers.

Celebrating Diversity

Fishers is a diverse and growing community with people from many different backgrounds. It is important that we uplift and celebrate these differences, rather than spreading lies to instill fear and hatred for political gain.

Call to Action

I am disappointed that many of our city leaders remained silent in the face of these attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. I hope these leaders will instead use their platforms to forcefully denounce such homophobia and bigotry. They should stand firmly behind our LGBTQ neighbors to ensure they know they are welcomed and loved in Fishers.

Conclusion

Hate will not prevail in our city, because Fishers belongs to all.

Author: Julie Chambers, Fishers

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

Analysis

The article discusses the Fishers Pride festival and the false accusations made against it by a small group of citizens and leaders of the Hamilton County Republican Party. The issues highlighted in the article are related to discrimination, inequality, and the need for inclusive and representative decision-making.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues discussed in the article are connected to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: youarecurrent.com