Thread by @JusticeHudson97

The May 16 @CityofWheeling #CityCouncil meeting was unlike any other, due in large part to it's high attendance. Many came out in support of the LGBTQ+ and the upcoming Pride on the Plaza event. More than 60 people filled the chambers. Here's what you missed:

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Former state Sen Owens Brown was present, as well as current Delegate @WVUFLU. Del Fluharty, on entering the room, said "I heard something big was happening. Did I miss anything?" Something big indeed happened--an outpouring of support for #LGBTQ+ people #folkreporters

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The Friendlier City Project, a Wheeling non-profit with the mission to build and foster a thriving #LGBTQ+ community, asked supporters to come out in support of the June 10 Pride on the Plaza event. This was to rebuke a woman who speaks against LGBTQ+ people often.

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Carlee Dittmar, chair of the Ohio County Republican Party, uses the public comment period to attack #LGBTQ+ people and attacks Councilor @RosemaryKetchum frequently. She is infamous in town for her conspiracy and hate-filled social media. #folkreporter carleedittmar.com

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Dittmar used her time to attack Councilor @benseidler, claiming he caused the outrage after he spoke with the @IntelligencerWV on May 2. He said if Dittmar represented the modern Republican party he would gladly leave it. Dittmar accused him of grandstanding. #folkreporters

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First to speak was Johnny Haught who wore a shirt with a rainbow that read "bully this." Haught is the owner of Ohio Valley MMA and rose to national fame after offering to defend #LGBTQ+ people after threats caused a local drag brunch to cancel in Feb tinyurl.com/3x86bvte

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Haught said "Love is love. No longer will we allow fear and hatred to spread in the community." He said Pride on the plaza was a chance for @CityofWheeling to earn its moniker of 'The Friendly City.' He said the event would show kids it's okay to be who they are.

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"We are not divided," Haught said. "We can start to tear down the stigma in our society against #LGBTQ+ people." Haught said the OVMMA would provide defense at Pride on the Plaza, saying "The event will go on." The audience roared in support.

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Susan Hagan, speaking about Dittmar's typical rants, asked of the Council, "aren't y'all tired of hearing the same things every meeting?" Hagan said there were no scheduled drag shows at the event, saying "If you don't want your children at a pride festival don't take them."

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Mikaya Green, cofounder of the Friendlier City Project, made it clear this was the group's first pride event in Wheeling. A 2022 pride festival by a different organization caused outrage over a drag performer's choice of outfit and music. #folkreporter

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Green spoke of the FCP mission, saying "Having an inclusive community is a big deal for keeping people here," saying recent events in the Ohio Valley caused discomfort and fear in the #LGBTQ+ community. Green said other FCP events have seen great turnout.

Green said it was inevitable they would receive pushback because "some people thing being queer is a political statement." "Wheeling has shown us that the locals are strongly in support. We love @CityofWheeling." She encouraged people to follow the Friendlier City Project

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The message was clear--the City of Wheeling is in support of its #LGBTQ+ community. Overwhelmingly so. This event was the Councils best attended since I began reporting. Half a dozen media outlets were there, including the Hudson Household Editorial. Usually it's three.

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You can find the Friendlier City Project on Insta and Facebook. Donate to support their mission through their website thefriendliercityp.wixsite.com/my-site. Pride on the Plaza will take place on June 10 at the Market St Plaza in downtown Wheeling 9:00-11:00. The HHE is proud to support.

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Read my full article on the overwhelming support for the #LGBTQ+ community on Substack, the Hudson Household Editorial. @threadreaderapp unroll #folkreporters

open.substack.com/pub/thehudsone…