If I don’t stand up for this cause, then who will?” Virginia Warren: “No, we are not going to take it down. ‘Who are we hurting with the flag?’ is really my question.”Īnd so, facing fines and a legal fight, Chris and Virginia did what they felt they had to do. Virginia Warren: “To be told your flag is fine that says, ‘Spring is here,’ down the road, but my flag that is supporting such an important cause is unacceptable is really a problem, in my opinion.”Ĭhris said he would argue even the association violates their own rule about only official United States flags by writing, ‘Welcome to Forest Ridge,’ on their displays.
Virginia thinks that’s great for her neighbors, but… There is a Conch Republic flag and several welcome flags with bright, colorful drawings of everything from flowers to a peacock. Many neighbors complimented them on their pride flag, but after it flew for nearly two years, the association changed their rules about flags.Ĭhris Wenk: “You are only allowed to fly an American flag with the colors that are traditionally displayed on the American flag, and they wanted me to take my LGBTQ flag down.”īut when you ride around the neighborhood, you see a black and white American flag with the thin red line to honor firefighters. The most important people in my life are all part of the community.” Virginia Warren, supports LGBTQ community: “My son’s godfather is a gay man.
The flag, with 50 stars and the rainbow colors, has flown over the house since they moved in two years ago. Chris Wenk: “I am 100% in support of the American flag.”īut Chris and Virginia are on Help Me Howard because they fly this flag.Ĭhris Wenk: “I also stand behind the LGBTQ Pride flag, and that’s why I chose to pick a hybrid of the two.”