Dear Community Members. I read Dad’s David and Donald’s letter to the editor (Feb. 5), and I wanted to respond with support for them in regards to the Freedom of Speech crisis we have on San Juan Island. Last year we brought Nicolas Blooms, a detransitioner, to speak about his journey healing through gender dysphoria. Our local Pride Foundation pressured both the Grange and the Mullis Center to cancel our program. David and Donald had their unnamed event canceled, too.

This year, Matt and I thought we should have “Freedom of Speech Day,” so we asked the Grange to rent their building. The board met and decided to refuse us the use of the building, effectively cancelling our event. The Grange is a private organization so they can pick and choose who and what they want to have at their hall, but I want our community members to know before they rent the hall for any event that free speech is one of the events they will not allow. If you would like to read our written and denied proposal, here is a link.

https://www.change.org/p/grant-matt-and-maureen-marinkovich-admittance-to-marketplace/u/33255573

We think it is okay to have opinions. We think it is okay to disagree. People should choose whether or not they want to listen to a speaker or learn something new. People can discern whether or not something is appropriate for their families. We are in the middle of a freedom of speech crisis. Please consider letting some of these venues know how you feel and where you will spend your money.

p.s. Christians were almost the entire audience last May when Nicolas spoke on the sidewalk and at our home. These Christians were open-minded and loving individuals; the pride protesters touting inclusivity were the most critical and hateful (as they tried their best to disrupt our event, which was held impromptu on the sidewalk in front of the Grange). God is Love and His enemy is working overtime here on the island.

Maureen Marinkovich,

San Juan Island