As a Weaverville resident, I’m writing to express strong support for the passage of LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections. As of December 1, power is restored to cities and towns to pass local ordinances protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination, and I’d like to see our city send a strong message that everyone is welcome here.

LGBTQ people still lack explicit, consistent protections at the local, state, and federal level in North Carolina, and that’s a big problem. A recent study found in 1 in 3 LGBTQ people have experienced discrimination in the past year. And for trans people, that number shot up to 3 in 5.

I want our city to be a place where no one has to worry about being evicted from their home, turned away from a healthcare provider, or denied service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Thank you for considering updating our local laws to ensure that no one faces discrimination because of who they are or who they love. I urge you to take action.