Libby residents celebrate Pride month with potluck

“You are loved, screw the haters,” shouted Beckie Guerra to laughter and applause, kicking off Libby’s celebration of Pride month in Firemans Park on Saturday.

Guerra was one of a couple dozen people of all ages to break bread — well, chips, cookies and cupcakes among other treats — underneath a pavilion nestled between competing birthday parties and the city splash pad.

The event came together quickly. Guerra, an organizer, said she got the idea after seeing a resident post a question on local social media about whether Libby hosted a Pride celebration.

“I grew up in southern California, raised by two mothers … so Pride month consisted of every June going to San Diego,” Guerra said. “Even moving up here, that hasn’t ever left me.”

Pride month, as well as a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, commemorates the June 1969 police raid of Stonewall Inn in New York, which is credited with sparking the gay rights movement in the U.S.

Guerra said her idea for a local event immediately blew up. The offers of support were overwhelming, she said.

“There were so many people willing to help,” she said.

The depth and scope of the LGBTQ community and their allies in the area also surprised Guerra.

“There is so much diversity,” she said. “There are people who have lived in Libby their whole life and found their loved ones here.”

Justin Thorstenson and Adam Tomberlin, both of Libby, were among those enjoying a soda and snack in the summer heat. The two, who met through online dating when Tomberlin still lived in Washington state, plan to wed in August.

“We have more love to give in this world than hate, so why not share the love?” said Tomberlin.

Thorstenson, a Libby native, said he was outed at a local bar by a friend. Life has gotten better since, especially after meeting Tomberlin, he said.

“We hold hands in Rosauers and get comments, but we ignore them,” Thorstenson said.

“There’s a snicker behind your back, but rising above it is more than that,” Tomberlin said. “It’s powerful. It’s strong.”

For out-of-towners Missy Ash and Tonya Keith, the Pride celebration was a welcome addition to their stay in the county. The pair hails from a part of Kansas they described as more conservative than Lincoln County. The nearest Pride event is held in Kansas City, more than an hour’s drive from their home.

“We never really do anything like this; it’s our first time at a Pride event,” Ash said. “I love it.”

Residents Kaitlin O’Neil and Todd Sines came to offer their support after seeing the event advertised online. O’Neil hoped to see the event blossom into an annual affair, saying that Libby needed a communal space for its LGBTQ population. In other areas, there are clubs and organizations dedicated to the community, she said.

Guerra hopes to make the Pride event, this year limited to a potluck, an annual tradition. She has spoken with organizers of similar celebrations in Flathead County for advice and support. A group in Sandpoint, Idaho, also has offered help, she said.

She envisions future family-friendly events, hopefully catering to everyone in the community. Pride events are open to all, she said.

“Come over and see us as people,” Guerra said.

“There’s nothing wrong with who you love,” she added.