by Michael Rivkin and Jeffri Coleman
What a nice welcome Eastsound extended to David and Lee of Brown Bear Baking during their challenging opening period! Construction, an auto accident, the pressures of peak summer in a seasonal resort community… all at the same time. Kudos for persevering!
And while most folks welcomed the addition of the new bakery with genuine warmth, some it seems did not share Orcas’ typical and long-standing non-judgmental attitudes and ability to accept folks based on their merits as contributing members of our community—and not on outdated, bigoted labels.
Brown Bear Baking proudly flies the American flag—the International symbol of freedom– at the top of their flagpole. Below, it flew the gay pride flag. We say ‘flew,’ as the owners were recently contacted by another Eastsound businessperson, who passed along ‘numerous requests’ from folks who wanted the flag taken down…but who did not want their names revealed. If these folks felt so uncomfortable in asking for its removal as to not ask the bakery boys personally, or to reveal their identity, then surely they knew they were doing something of questionable motivation and little value. The ‘cross burners’ of the old south also hid (quite literally) behind these same shrouds of secrecy.
Washington is known for setting the stage and demonstrating to the rest of the country — and to the world — our progressive thinking and judgment based on character. Our priorities build bonds and communities, rather than walls and boundaries. The San Juans carry this thinking further yet—as we have for generations. We can respect one’s sincere convictions, no matter how they may differ from our own. But if you are too insincere or too cowardly to acknowledge your position, then you lose all credibility entirely.
This flag frightens you? Offends you? Really?
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Well said Gentlemen! I, for one, would like to see the flag raised again.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention…..raise the flag!
Thank you Michael and Jeffri for your most thoughtful and eloquent letter. It made me smile to see the Rainbow flag whenever I drove or walked past the bakery. I was stunned when I first heard about this outrageous and discriminatory request. I hope David and Lee put that flag back up and fly it PROUDLY!!! As grown-ups, it’s our job to teach our children well – compassion and tolerance – rather than fear and bias. Shame on those who practice small, narrow-minded thinking. I’m proud to have these fine men as part of our community. Let’s practice inclusion rather than exclusion!
PS I’d love to have a list of those business owners who requested the flag be removed. I’d like to know which stores I should BOYCOTT based on my moral values. I choose not to support any businesses that practices discrimination of any kind. I’ve seen enough of it in my lifetime; it’s time to stop the nonsense!
I feel sorry for those who feel so “threatened” by something they don’t understand or like that they have to resort to this. I truly do not understand people who do not have room in their hearts for those who are not exactly like them. I have lived my entire life in strange and far away places, all filled with wonderful people who were nothing like me. Everyone deserves a chance to be who they were meant to be. Just think how boring the world would be if we were all the same.
David and Lee, it’s your store, it’s your flag, it’s legal,right? I apologize for this intrusion upon your rights. Please, if you really want to fly the flag, fly it! Many locals support your right to do so, and are disturbed by this covert intimidation.I am happy to publicly add my name in support of your rights, and have heard many locals exclaim their joy in seeing this flag fly in Eastsound.
First, a hearty welcome to David and Lee.
Second, a hearty Amen to Michael and Jeffri–eloquently put, guys–and to those neighbors who’ve written in support.
Raise the flag!
Fly that flag!
Fly the flag high and proud. 71% of San Juan County voters voted for the “Gay Marriage” referendum. I think that the local support is overwhelmingly in favor. It certainly makes me want to support BBB.
This is outrageous! Put Back the Flag! Perhaps we should have a small gathering of supporters stand by with you when you do it. Seriously! I do not/will not live in a town that expresses what this essentially is: public shaming!Shaming based on fear and ignorance, but shaming none the less.
This must be remedied! If you need support in this, please say so here.
I have to say I was really surprised to read this and find out they were asked to take their flag down. I’ve only lived on the island for almost 2 years but one of the things that drew us here was how accepting the people are here of others and the sense of community. Hearing this really blew me away. This is not something I would expect out of anyone here. This isn’t in the spirit of our island and is really disappointing. I find it sad that we have such cowardly people trying to intimidate others here.
Yes, fly the flag.
I am not sure what your personal beliefs have to do with a bakery, but it is your right and privilege, that many wonderful Americans have fought and died for, to promote your personal ideals anywhere and everywhere in our great nation.
Truth is, promoting any personal views not specifically related to a particular business type is not a healthy business practice. Go for the “offend none” approach to a fuller till at the end of the day.
That having been said, I will personally come to your aid and stand with you in your fight.
I hope your business is a success and you both prosper well here.
Jeffri & Michael – Bravo Zulu (BZ) – in Naval Terms “Well Done”.
David and Lee: Welcome. Eveytime I walk in your store I am so infused with your loving energy for what you do.
I wonder if the ‘objector(s)’ also enjoy and routinely sample your goods?
I’m so sorry this has been part of the BBB welcome.
Please put the flag back.
Generally when someone shows up to say “numerous anonymous individuals have said something”, it means exactly the opposite.
I have heard wonderful things about the Bakery. We are lucky to have you here.
David and Lee, fly that flag. No one, including the ‘Eastsound business person’ who had the audacity to pass along the “numerous requests” has the right or authority to ask you to do otherwise . Let’s be known for, stand up for, inclusiveness, not bigotry because of what some must have assumed would be “bad for business” . And now I have a good reason to come in for a pastry !
As an Eastsound business owner, neighbor and elected official, I welcome our newest business to the neighborhood. I look forward to seeing two flags flying tomorrow morning.
Let me join the chorus – raise the flag! Thank you Michael and Jeffri for your sentiments. I work for the Chamber of Commerce, but speak for myself — no one should pressure you to remove a symbol of inclusion.
Good for you,Rick! That’s what I call being a true and righteous Public Service official!
Thank you, Rick. As an elected official, your words speak volumes. Unfortunately, when I found out last week about the flag, I went home and made two dozen paper flags on cards and posted them on the bulletin boards around town. Today I noticed every one was taken down. How sad. Even a paper rainbow flag with the word “PEACE” on it was upsetting to someone. I’ve come to appreciate the rainbow flag as a symbol of equality for all. Too bad some people are offended by a pretty flag with the word PEACE on it.
I will go tomorrow and BUY something to show my support. I would like to know which businesses put the pressure on so I can NOT shop there.
“Numerous anonymous requests”? How cowardly! Fly that flag!!! Welcome to Orcas from the majority of us who respect you, your values, and your business — and love those baked goodies!
It may have been lost or forgotten in the discussion, but the rainbow flag actually stands for the value of Diversity in all its forms, not only for the gay and lesbian community. I support the wonderful diversity of our community, and absolutely want to see that lovely flag flown again. I’d like to see the diversity flag flown by other businesses as well! Welcome David and Lee and Brown Bear Bakery to our community–you are already making a difference and have absolutely luscious baked goods!
I am so proud of this community who supports human dignity and equality for all. Now I know I’m home.
I hope to see that flag flying in the morning, gentlemen! I was curious what had happened to it the other day when I stopped by for tea, but I hope you will reconsider, and ignore such narrow-minded folks that would have the audacity to rain on your parade. This community thrives on diversity, and you must make your stand. It’s your perfect right, and I and many others welcome you. You have certainly raised the bar at the corner of Main Street, and we are loving your beautiful bakery!
During WWII, the Nazis ordered all Jews in Denmark to where the yellow Star of David on armbands, as elsewhere. The King of Denmark and countless citizens answered that order by wearing them as well. The Nazis could not tell their targets from anyone else. There is also a wonderful story about Dec, 1993 in Billings, Montana. Bigotry in its many forms seems to remain a human issue, sadly. I love this discussion – let’s all fly the flag!!
Oops. I really can spell.
I agree. Let’s see Rainbow flags displayed all over Eastsound. I’m ready to make a few people uncomfortable.
I just met David today over at Springboard. What a great and fun guy! Someone else said it already but I feel it’s worth repeating. These anonymous requests are nothing less than cowardly. Making a go of it on Orcas Island is no easy feat and we ALL need to support each other in any way we can. Fly that flag, David and Lee!
I guess I’m not done yet. In the letter above, Michael and Jeffri refer to Washington as a place for engendering progressive thinking and judgment based on character. I don’t entirely agree after 20 plus years here. Recently, the turn towards those things has been clear. Realistically, the state is as divided politically and philosophically as it is physically by the Cascades. All this means (to me anyway) is that vigilance and discernment will always be necessary. The small-mindedness that has been shown on Orcas continues to raise its ugly head otherwise. We are only a microcosm of the larger world. So proud of this place!
Isn’t anonymous protestors an oxymoron?
If you don’t have a flag, or a decal of a rainbow flag, a few crayons and a piece of scratch paper is all you need to show your support. Actions speak louder than words!
Love these comments! We all stand together as free humans and this restores our faith in each other. Share the love and be free to fly your flag! Together we can dispel the fear with LOVE on this little rock island and this cosmic rock, our little earth.
I’m offended!
I’m offended that anyone would be cowardly enough to complain third hand and ask that the flag be removed.
I’m offended that yet another person would feel compelled to pass on the complaint of a coward.
I’m offended that the flag is NOT flying.
I’m offended that this is even an issue.
It rained today; I sure hope we see a rainbow tomorrow.
In 1969 Crosby, Stills & Nash sang about “letting your freak flag fly”. So, of course, that empowered us to let our hair grow and do all sorts of other things. Like maybe protest. Well, we can get rid of the “freak” and just say “let your flag fly”. Hope to see the flag flying this morning when I come to town. Go for it guys, I’m with ya!
“Coward” is too mild a word to describe the folks who tried to impose their ignorance on this community.
They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Please, fly the flag!
Rainbow Paddlers headed out this morning from Spring Bay, Olga! (Photo follows)
We need a flag raising ceremony!
Those who can’t stand and be counted shouldn’t have the right to be counted at all. Even if there was but one anonymous dissenter to the flag, it represents a glitch in my choice of places in the world to live. Human rights are well defined in this country. Put the flag back up. We want to know who takes it down!
Charles & Valerie Binford
The Place At Cayou Cove
Michael and Jeffri – thank you for bringing this shameful matter to light!
David and Lee – I love your store, and wish you the greatest success with your enterprise – it is a wonderful addition to Eastsound. Please, fly whatever flag you wish proudly!
Our family will be there to support you.
I would like to share a bit about the history of the Rainbow Flag – at least the Rainbow Flag flown as a Gay Pride symbol. The original flag was the idea of a young man who was moved to find a way to make a non-threatening public statement about Gay Pride after the Stonewall Riots in 1969. (See Stonewall Riots June 1969, Greenwich Village NYC) The number of stripes have changed over the years, but seven of the original color stripes remain and the meaning assigned to each color has remained true – Red stands for Life, Orange for Healing, Yellow for Sunlight, Green for Nature, Blue for Serenity/Harmony, and Violet for Spirit.
The flag has no sexual meaning. The flag has no offensive meaning.
The flag DOES stand for the fact that gay men and lesbian women desire to live un-judged in a world that shows respect for life, liberty and equality. And, that they and their supporters may stand together unashamed, without fear under a flag symbolizing life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony and spirit.
Not too scary for me. How about you?
Another point for those “anonymous business people” to consider: Orcas is a wedding destination — for all sorts of people. If we are viewed as an intolerant community, fewer people of any orientation will come here and those business people will lose money. If they can’t think openly with their hearts, perhaps they can be persuaded to think more openly when it comes to their wallets!
Writing from Delaware. Love and visit Orcas whenever I can. Spent a recent amazing week in Provincetown, Mass. during “Bear Week” with my husband. It was inspiring, fun, loving and one of my most amazing vacation visits and I hope to go again soon. When I read about Brown Bear Bakery opening I had to chuckle. You go, guys! Will be there soon to check out the goods and welcome you to your new community! All best! And thanks to J & M for your eloquent letter. Y’all rock.
Isn’t it common knowledge that delectable pastry, delish strong coffee, gorgeous interiors, and rainbows are The Best Ever? And that squelching these blessed gifts in any shape or form is wildly lame and totally uncool? I would be PROUD to stand beside you in neighborly spirit and good will when your flag is raised once more.
I join the masses in thanking Jeffri and Michael for their eloquent letter! I hope that the landlord can see that there is huge support for David and Lee and for what their flag represents. This is such a year of celebration in Washington-of course we want to rejoice here of all places!
David and Lee, Out on Orcas supports you all the way and hopes to see that flag flying again soon.
How about some smart Farmers Market person making rainbow flags available so we can all get behind these fellows? A good sized flag for the IGA!
Linda
hope to see that flag soon! best wishes to you.
Raise the flag, David and Lee! We welcome you to our Island and truly admire your beautiful bakery! Thanks, Michael and Jeffri, for bringing this to our attention! Frank and Jan Loudin
Asking the proprietors of Brown Bear Baking to take down a gay pride flag represents an archaic attempt to stifle equality and basic civil rights. Asking them to do it with an anonymous letter represents unbelievable cowardice.
As a community and a society, we have evolved. For us to continue to live in a community we are proud of, we must treat each other with respect and dignity. We should not only embrace, but celebrate our diversity – as individuals and as a community.
A loving relationship between consenting adults is all any of us wants out of life. We don’t isolate families simply because they’re structured differently from our own – we celebrate them because they too have found someone special to them. Isolating or intimidating someone who is perceived as different is not only unacceptable, it is un-American.
To the anonymous authors of the letter in question I would ask, what exactly are you afraid of? Do you fear gay people will see the flag as a symbol of our tolerance, move here, start businesses, pay taxes and support our local economy by purchasing goods and services and be wonderful, kind members of our community? The horror!
More likely, you penned this letter without names attached because you fear a boycott. Judging by the comments below the opinion piece on this matter in Orcas Issues, you’re correct to worry about more tolerant members of our community spending their money elsewhere.
In short, you’re worried about being singled out and treated differently. If that isn’t irony I don’t know what is.
To David and Lee, thank you for choosing our community to establish your business and call your home (and for making such great baked goods!). When you raise the flag again, do so with the knowledge that our community and the vast majority of our state has your back.
A great response, Kevin!
We were pleased to see the flag when the bakery opened and had no idea that it had been taken down at the “suggestion” of another business owner. The notion that the flag would somehow affect patronage of the bakery is inconsistent both with our experience of Orcas islanders and the visitors that come here and patronize our local merchants. Welcome, David and Lee! Your scones and muffins have been a big hit!
David and Lee are some of the kindest, truly generous, community-minded people I have met, and they are welcome in this community. We could all learn by their example. I hope they decide to fly the flag again and not just for Gay Pride week – but anytime they want. We must stop the bullying cowardice in our community, and show how things can be done. I stand with David and Lee and whatever they decide.
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting wikipedia article on all sorts of rainbow flags. Enjoy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag
Orcas Apparel has created a section of rainbow flag merchandise that is AT COST, they don’t make any money on it. It includes Rainbow Flag buttons, a bumper-sticker, and a shirt.
They can be found at this address:
http://www.cafepress.com/OrcasApparel
Then Click on the “At Cost Merchandise for Unity on Orcas” Flag.
Good Luck!
Welcome, David and Lee!
I just wanted to voice my wholehearted support for your bakery, your flag, and your presence here on Orcas.
Cheers!
Too bad the ‘business owner’ will not reveal who she/he is. There may be a back lash for this business if it were known. Fly the flag. I’m sorry to hear from other business owners that the matter is too ‘politically sensitive’.
Really? In 2013?
Several of us were headed over from San Juan Island yesterday (Tues), only to discover that is the one day of the week the bakery is closed. We had wanted to show our support for the owners, who have every right to fly their flag. Most of us in the islands, though clearly not all, celebrate our differences and the fact that despite them, and even because of them, we come together in all sorts of ways to make a vibrant community. I hope that we can keep it that way. I also hope that the flag has been put back up.
“Brown Bear Baking proudly flies the American flag—the International symbol of freedom—at the top of their flagpole.”
The international symbol of freedom? Really? According to whom? Is employ jingoism to win over some conservatives the right thing to do?
Personal Opinion:
I’m in agreement with “Brown Bear Baking proudly flies the American flag—the International symbol of freedom—at the top of their flagpole.” That flag indeed represents the lives and sacrifices made by many giving the ability and right to live freely and pursue happiness.
Although I personally don’t agree with- IMO- choice of lifestyles that the LBGT flag represents I also believe that as long as a lifestyle doesn’t infringe on the rights or bring harm to others then so be it. I however do have a problem with any flag other than the “American Flag” be flown- in this case the towns four corners representing my town and its people. I feel if one wants to fly a flag then the “American Flag” is the only representation that is needed across this great country of ours. A flag that “Unites” not divides and represents all of the people as one.
As for the statement “The ‘cross burners’ of the old south also hid (quite literally) behind these same shrouds of secrecy.” I don’t feel that has any such context in this situation. The despicable cross burners of the south stood against a race not an ideal or lifestyle. I could only imagine the outcry had a different flag been put up on the towns four corners. Just my thoughts.
By the way I wasn’t one that asked for it to be removed.
@Randell Tober
I don’t approve of your lifestyle choice of being a middle-aged, straight white male.
Everyone has seen you being “that way” in public, Randell.
It’s shocking.
So, stop it.
Just the idea that there are people who are diffent from me in this world creeps me out; I just don’t think my mind could take actually seeing undeniable proof that you exist, especialy in my town square.
So, if you’re going to be in public, cover up; just wear an American flag from head to toe. Don’t let that flag touch the ground, Randell.
As my love of the American flag alone clearly demonstrates, I am a proud, patriotic American. You should see my collection of American flag bumper stickers, t-shirts and lapel pins.
I accept everyone that conforms to my view of what an American is. So, you can’t accuse me of being a narrow-minded, reactionary regressive bigot. If you walk, talk, think and live exactly like me, I have no problem accepting you as a Real American.
I fully support the rights of Real Americans to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. But, IMHO, there has to be limits for those who don’t conform to my worldview.
It’s not like I’m a racist. Racists lived a long, long time ago and hated black people. I’m just opposed to public displays and special rights for certain lifestyles like Randell’s choice to be a middle-aged, straight white male. So, obviously, I’m not racist.
I just judge people to be unworthy of being equal to me as an American because they’re not just like me.
How is that just like racism, sexism or any other kind of bigotry?
Every single person has a right to live free of fear. Tonight, that right was taken away from far too many.
justin ,
i could not agree more,where does it end? where is the OUTRAGE,last year we lost several in south carolina, the list goes on and on and on,where is local coverage on a issue that effects us all. stop violence!!!!
thanks
scott gianola