LGBTQ+ people in this California town fearful of what they say is a rise in hostility

Like many who've felt compelled to speak out against hate, Durham said he never intended to become a public voice for LGBTQ+ rights in Orange County. In the few years since he transitioned, he has mostly kept his life journey to himself, because he knows that not everyone embraces transgender Americans.

"I stayed in the closet long, long after I was trans — for over a decade," he says. "I didn't want to lose friends. I didn't want to lose family. When I came out, I did lose friends. I sent my family a letter and they just went radio silent."

Durham came to know Huntington Beach while growing up in the Bay Area. His family visited twice a year to spend time with relatives.

"I saw how wonderful Orange County can be and I fell in love with it," he says. "I really think the majority of people who live here are not hateful."

He points to the fact that in 2021, the city took steps to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, most notably by flying the rainbow flag on city property during Pride Month.

The conservative majority that voters elected to the City Council in 2022 ushered in a dramatic shift — approving, for example, the creation of a parent advisory board to screen children's books for sexually explicit content and block the purchase of new publications that members deem inappropriate.

Council members who back the library measure have said they are only trying to protect children.

While the harsh words of supporters have attracted the most attention, many residents who've spoken out at recent hearings have voiced opposition.

"On one hand, we have more allies in Orange County than ever before, which equates to affirming neighborhoods, businesses, schools and employers," says Peg Corley, executive director of LGBTQ Center Orange County, a nonprofit advocacy and community service organization in Santa Ana. "On the other hand, there are pockets of Orange County, like Huntington Beach, where the city council majority is focused on turning back the clock to the 1950s."

Corley says the overriding message the council has sent to the queer residents, workers and visitors over the last year is, "Go spend your LGBTQ+ dollars somewhere else."

Durham says Pride At The Pier won't give up. Building on the momentum generated by its events last year, the group plans to host its second Pride celebration later this year on the Huntington Beach waterfront. Durham says there are plans to hire extra security to make those who attend feel safe.

Standing outside City Hall, Durham unfurls his own rainbow flag, which is so big it billows around him while he talks about the need to get more people involved in the fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in Orange County.

"We cannot get past this point in our history without joining hands with as many people as possible," Durham says.

"This is about more than a piece of fabric."