EDITOR’S NOTE: Gary Stevens contributed to this story.
HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland Mayor Nancy DeBoer says people have politicized her comments about Sunday’s drag-queen brunches, set for Sunday, July 28, 2019, at the Holland Civic Center Place.
She made her remarks last week on WHTC after a caller asked her to comment, and DeBoer expressed discomfort with the event. She noted that ticket sales would determine whether the brunches would succeed or not.
“It’s unfortunate that, after the upcoming drag brunch GR event came up on this radio show, that some people have been politicizing my comments about not attending the brunch,” she said, “But certainly, I invite all people to come to Holland and enjoy the vibrant diversity of our great city.”
On Friday, July 26, 2019, DeBoer agreed with morning-host Gary Stevens that the incident is a teachable moment.
“We really need to help people to understand that we love — we love people,” she said. “There are other perspectives. There are all different perspectives about life and we just need to make sure that we get the point across that it’s people who are important.”
Organizers of the brunches have issued an open invitation for her to attend one of the brunches. The mayor said she’s only had a voicemail inviting her to have a conversation with them, not a personal invitation.
She went on to say she cares how people feel.
“I’ll never be perfect. I’m always learning, and I will always try to communicate clearly, and try to say the righ thing, and do the right thing, and be the right thing, but I won’t always,” she said. “And then, I just have to learn from my situation and work to be a better person. But, you know, I really feel bad that a comment went that direction. So, it’s a hard day.”
LINKS:
Listen to her complete interview recorded on July 25, 2019 and aired on WHTC Friday, July 26, 2019.
Listen to DeBoer’s live interview with WHTC‘s morning host Gary Stevens on Thursday, July 18, 2019, reactions to which touched off the controversy.
Here’s a link to DeBoer’s 2015 interview, after she was first elected, in which she addresses LGBTQ issues.
