By Bill Heaney
The Rainbow Flag is flying high above Solidarity Plaza this February, in support of the LGBT Community in West Dunbartonshire for LGBT History Month.
However, the gesture has sustained a bitter backlash from the electorate, including members of the LGBT community, on social media.
Depute Provost Karen Conaghan said: “ The Rainbow flag is a symbol of our commitment in West Dunbartonshire to value every one of our citizens and to treat all with equal respect.
“This symbol of our support matters greatly, especially to the LGBT community, and so we are proud to see the flag flying here.
“As a Council we are committed to promoting equality and welcoming diversity. It isn’t too long ago that the LGBT community were unable to enjoy the same rights that many other citizens take for granted and we need to affirm our commitment to all our citizens being treated as equally valid, equally respected, equally welcomed.
“The Rainbow Flag has been raised here for many years and shows our commitment that West Dunbartonshire is an area that supports diversity, inclusiveness and hope.”
Chief Executive Joyce White joins Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, Council leader Jonathan McColl and councillors and officials with a rather washed out looking flag at the ceremony.
There were disparaging remarks from Denise McLafferty, who wrote: “Nice wee photo opp. Where are the LGBT Community? Oh sorry not invited. If attempting to be true to equality then bring those who struggle with inequality to the party. You care none about the diversity of the shire. Flying a flag disnae dae it. Get real.”
Ian Jamieson said he did not recognise anyone in the picture and Louise Brodie added: “Funny how she can pose outside with a flag, but locks the door and phones the police when some constituents come to the council to hand in a petition.”
Ewan Williamson wrote: “Oh look, photographic evidence that council workers would rather skive off work for a while than do what they’re paid to do.” Danii McKellar wrote: “As a member of the LGBTQI+ community. I’d rather instead of photo opportunities and publicity stunts…. If the council would fix the roads, address the homeless crisis and everything else more important than this!
“And if our MSP would tell her constituents exactly what her and her party plan on doing to help the residents who are about to be plunged into poverty or further into poverty by the rising gas and electric prices.”
Gary Bell added: “Ah, the only time we see Cllr [Jonathan] McColl is at a photo opportunity! Still no surgeries due to Covid19 but if someone gets a Kodak out there he is!”
And Cha McGregor said: “We’re all equal unless we live in a scheme. Fix our roads and never mind the gesture politics.”
Clearly there has been a misunderstanding. These ultra-exclusive events are meant for ruling class members only. The deplorables are not invited for obvious reasons. They’re all trouble makers and riff-raff.