Columbus native Mike Pence is well-known across not only our country but around the world as a symbol of homophobia and for that, the City of Columbus, Indiana should be ashamed of using him as a symbol of hometown pride. Community as diverse as Columbus' should not be represented by a figure known for his bigotry. In terms of progress, Columbus is a much better place to live in for members of the LGBTQ+ community than many other parts of Indiana, but there is still a long way to go. We must lead the way for not only the rest of the state, but the rest of the country, and denounce the actions and opinions of Pence. Columbus is an open-minded, welcoming community and Pence does not represent these values. Therefore, we must take down the signs. It is not an honor to be the home of the nation's most notorious homophobe, so do not give him the honor of being our symbol of hometown pride.

So this pride month, on behalf of every member of our community that has been disheartened by the honor our home has given to Pence, I beg the City of Columbus to, please, take down the signs. This is a welcoming community, not for just our citizens, but for everybody of every background and the signs do not represent that.