Unfortunately, many are headed back to the bad old days. Just read that a bill is being pushed in the Idaho government (both houses) to ban any pride flags in classrooms. This is just the start. Here, they're everywhere along with black lives matter signs. Island mentality often means being closed minded but not in this county.

@jackjr I think smaller communities, like on an island, people know each other more intimately and need to get along with everyone, so perhaps extend a bit more respect for others as they we would like ourselves.

Might not be the case everywhere, but where the people who are being "othered" are friends, neighbors, coworkers and leaders, we likely find it in our hearts to be more welcoming. In places where the "others" are strangers, it's likely easier to spread hatred and fear.

When we get to know and love people without and "us vs them" in a more inclusive environment, life is just so much happier!

Here in Hawaii, we have lots of business owners, entertainers, social justice leaders, newscasters, etc., who have colorful lifestyles and can be free to express themselves, no need to hide. It's not scandalous, for example, that one of our local newscasters is a part time drag queen with lots of support from all his viewers. Many in our hula community are flaming gay and are highly respected and decorated for their strength and grace as well as keepers of tradition. Very well accepted in the culture here.

Hawaiians has always had a third gender, māhū, who are known to be in the middle of the gender spectrum. Māhūs embrace both feminine and masculine traits that are embodied in each and every one of us, and are often valued as visionaries, caretakers, healers and teachers of the ancient ways. Very different than mainland America.

@Julie808 Interesting word. Apparently it's just a neutral word with no judgements assigned. Remember, at one time we were an agricultural, fishing and timber place. We are the flattest (but by no means flat) so were considered the 'breadbasket' of the western portion of the state. When the Grand Coulee dam was built (mainly for irrigation) Washington became the 2nd most irrigated state (next to Calif.). Unfortunately it was cheaper to ship food by truck or rail than by boat so the farming suffered. At one time there were more living here than there are today. Because the roads were dirt people didn't mingle much and there were 4 schools (opposed to one today). I'm curious as to distances keeping people from getting together helped hide many of the gay group.