Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) is appalled by and condemns the hateful vandalism at The Pryde, a new inclusive development for LGBTQ+ seniors in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. Residents must feel safe in their communities and this kind of hateful act meant to scare people away cannot be tolerated.
This display of hatred is not new and is the very reason we need more homes that are safe for people who have been intentionally excluded and discriminated against. We must stand up to acts of hatred and we must do more to ensure people have a sense of belonging wherever they choose to live. It is not enough to condemn such behavior; we must take intentional action to make every community across the Commonwealth more welcoming and inclusive for people of all sexual orientations, genders, ages, races, disabilities, family sizes, immigration statuses, and income levels. Enforcing and affirmatively furthering fair housing at all stages of neighborhood development is one key way to foster a bright and inclusive future where everyone can thrive.
We need more developments like The Pryde and we all — individually and as communities — must stand up against hate.