Editor:
While Delaware Stonewall PAC can be thrilled by the progress we have made in having three members of the LGBT community elected to our State Legislature, we know our work is far from over, as we continue to struggle with homophobic and hate inspired incidents in Sussex County and elsewhere.
The three incidents reported recently: the Zoom bombing with homophobic disruptions of a performance by Fay Jacobs; the vandalism at the home of a lesbian couple in Lewes, one being Charlotte King, founder of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice; and the anti-gay slur by the Lewes Assistant Fire Chief, prove that our work must continue. This can only be done with your help. Please help us work towards educating our neighbors in Delaware and passing legislation which will protect the LGBT community. Please consider supporting our PAC at delawarestonewall.org, or joining our Board.
Peter Schott, President
Delaware Stonewall PAC
PO Box 1024
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Dear Editor,
I would like to introduce myself, my name is Kate Wall, owner of Shorebreak Lodge restaurant on Wilmington Ave. I wanted to reach out to CAMP Rehoboth regarding the incident that took place on social media and degradation of our community members. I was just informed of the event on Friday night from a customer, as I do not spend time on Facebook and I stopped watching the news long ago.
I took ownership of Shorebreak back in May of 2017 and have always welcomed the gay community. CAMP Rehoboth is the anchor of what Rehoboth Beach is today and what makes Rehoboth so special. We may not be on Baltimore Avenue, but we fully support the organization and the work of all the volunteers.
Over the past four years I have become friends to many of our loyal and wonderful customers who call Rehoboth their second home. Blue Moon is an institution for some of the best entertainment in Rehoboth. I am proud to be a part of a Gay Pride community that openly shares, and so eloquently put "Room for All". I couldn’t imagine Rehoboth without the gay community; it would be a city with no sparkle!
I want to show my support and solidarity to keep the love alive, and continue to promote the "Room for All" on Wilmington Avenue. In fragile times, we as a community need to stand together and strengthen our commitment. Let not the distance of two blocks stand in our way. Please let me know if CAMP Rehoboth plans any organized event that we can be a part of.
Sincerely,
Kate Wall, owner
Shorebreak Lodge Restaurant
Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to the community. A recent derogatory social media post by a member of the Lewes Fire Department has created considerable discord and concern within the community it serves. The member’s post was inflammatory, intolerable, and is in no way a representation of department beliefs or policies.
The Lewes Fire Department has been embedded within the town of Lewes and surrounding communities for 224 years, providing dedicated emergency and public service throughout. The department is proud of its long history of service and role it serves as an emergency service responding to 4,400 medical and 700 fire calls in 2019, 24 hours a day, in any weather conditions or circumstances. We are available to assist those who are in need no matter who they are or their beliefs.
It is the Lewes Fire Department’s sincere hope that the actions of one will not be the portrayal of the department as a whole and that our community recognizes we continue to provide dedicated service.
Sincerely,
The officers and members of the Lewes Fire Department Inc.
(editor’s note: on November 24, 2020, CAMP Rehoboth hosted a meeting with the Lewes Fire Department to discuss the incident that occurred on November14.)
Editor:
To all at CAMP Rehoboth, I would like to thank your organization for setting up a meeting and allowing me to come speak in person. I listened and took in every word spoken on everyone’s behalf. I was educated on how vital this organization is to the community and the resources that are available.
Most importantly, I learned the true meaning of the word I used and the hurt I have caused Jeremy and everyone throughout the community, locally and nationally.
The word affected everyone differently. It brought back a lot of bad memories of not so good times from being bullied in grade school to ride-bys with people shouting out that word in disgust. The LBGTQ community has come a long way to be respected and be part of our society. With my lack of good judgment and bad choice of words, all I have done is taken Jeremy and the community back in time.
I want to again apologize for saying such a derogatory word, let alone, post it on social media. At the time, not thinking past the minute, to the grief, sadness, anger, and hate I caused. I have lived in this local community my whole life. My parents were raised here and also my kids are being raised here.
My goal is to complete a sensitivity class to further educate myself and to pass information on to others. I want to regain the trust I have lost from the community which I volunteer in.
I am sorry from the bottom of my heart.
William H. Buckaloo