Mike Pence's New Neighbors Welcome Him With Gay Pride Flags

Vice-president elect Mike Pence, who previously advocated for redirecting federal HIV/AIDS funds to useless and dumb pray-the-gay-away therapy, has taken up temporary digs in NW Washington until he moves into the vice-presidential mansion. Pence’s neighbors have greeted his arrival with the perfect signifier for their feelings about his anti-LGBT legacy—lots of gay pride flags.

The DCist reports that at least six rainbow flags are now displayed on the Chevy Chase Street where Pence will reside until inauguration day. One of those flags belongs to llse Heintzen, a soon-to-be neighbor of Pence’s who hopes her flag will convey her opposition to his anti-LGBT agenda. “A respectful message showing, in my case, my disagreement with some of his thinking,” Heintzen told local ABC affiliate WJLA.

Pence has been on the wrong side of LGBT legislation his entire political career, voting for laws that would allow homophobic bigots to violate the rights of queer, trans and other LGBTQ people.

“I have no idea what [the vice president-elect] will think about, but I hope he will change his mind,” Heintzen told WJLA.

The DCist reports that a similar silent protest is taking place around the Indiana governer’s mansion, Pence’s former residence. According to the outlet, “more than two dozen homeowners...have also displayed pride flags and other anti-Pence signs.”