Alderperson Nate Wolff speaks at the event. June 26, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A pride display was vandalized at the Appleton home of Benji Roe and Alex Frantz.
“On Thursday, May 29, 2025, our home was the target of a hateful and deliberate act,” said Roe, speaking to more than 50 people gathered outside their home. “Our pride flag, which had flown proudly and peacefully for nearly two years, was ripped from its grommets, thrown to the sidewalk.”
Kimberly resident Rick Kitchen was among the many supporters at Thursday’s rally.
“Community is an answer to a lot of the problems we have,” said Kitchen. “It’s people getting together and thinking about solutions, supporting one another.”
Roe and Frantz raised an American flag in rainbow colors with “We the People” emblazoned across the flag. A plaque below condemned hate crimes, with a reference to Psalm 133:1, a verse on unity.
Mary Bogen from Hate Free Outagamie County lives in the neighborhood.
“It’s definitely a pattern,” said Bogen. “Other people in this neighborhood have had their pride flags vandalized, taken down, stolen or just houses vandalized for having pride flags out.”
A Milwaukee homeowner was also recently a victim. Her cause is unchanged.
“Things like this is [sic] not going to stop me from being who I am, supporting my community, loving the people who live in my community,” said Anoma Stoiber of Milwaukee.
Thursday marks 10 years since same-sex marriage became legal at the federal level. It’s still a contentious issue.
Wisconsin Family Council is among the roughly 30% against that decision.
“Sexual activity is to be done between one man and one woman within the context of marriage,” said President Daniel Degner.
Degner still voiced support for LGBTQ+ members to express their views, citing America’s free speech.
“We would condemn any violence or even vandalism against someone supporting the LGBT movement or having the pride flag,” said Degner.
Wisconsin Family Council’s building was the target of an arson attack three years ago. LGBTQ+ supporters are still regular victims of hate crimes.
“There’s no room for hate,” said Kitchen
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