‘JUST THE RIGHT THING TO DO’
Bethel community members, businesses fly LGBTQ flags all over town to support Molten Java, whose rainbow flag was torn down and burned
About a week after a Bethel coffee shop’s pride flag was torn down and burned, community members and businesses are flying LGBTQ pride flags and symbols in support of the cafe.
Molten Java, the coffee shop on Greenwood Avenue, has flown a rainbow pride flag from its front porch for years. A little over a week ago, a shop employee arrived at the store to find the flag torn and torched, according to Wendy Cahill, the business’ owner.
Local supporters and fellow businesses have made it a point to fly similar flags at their homes and shops since. Molten Java staff said they “can’t keep up with the flag sightings,” as they showcased about 20 photos of new flags that have surfaced in the neighborhood, in another Facebook post made Monday.
When asked how the community’s outpouring felt, owner
Wendy Cahill struggled to describe her feelings.
“The amount [of support] was overwhelming and it’s still happening. Bethel’s a great town so I knew people wouldn’t accept the situation and it’s not something that would normally happen,” she said.
“I had no idea how much they would come out for us. It indicates to me that we’re in a better place and we have more allies than not,” she added.
Marissa Amundsen, a barista at Molten Java agreed, saying it’s been “all love.”
“Love wins,” she said and repeated it two more times with glee in her voice.
Community members flooded the post’s comments with more flag snapshots and an outpouring of positive messages for Molten Java echoing the point
that “love is louder.”
Although Bethel police were hesitant to call the incident a “hate crime,” First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker issued a town proclamation deeming the flag burning an act of “hate and intimidation.”
The proclamation reaffirms that “all people are endowed with basic human rights regardless of race, creed, color of skin, sex, gender identity or orientation,” with the ability to express themselves freely, without fearing harm or intimidation. Under this document, Knickerbocker noted the town will join its fellow home and business owners in support of such ideals by flying a pride flag at the municipal center on April 9.
Tony Heslin, the owner of Bethel’s Note Kitchen and Bar said it’s “just the right thing to do.” He said flying a flag at his restaurant is meant to show they are behind Molten Java and the LGBTQ community. It “bothered” him to see something like that happening in Bethel.
Kathleen Menichelli, the owner of Alice’s Flower Shop, said her heart broke when she heard about Molten Java’s flag.
“It’s such a cruel thing to do. If they have a problem with LGBTQ community that’s their problem but to burn a flag and put it on their steps is beyond,” she said.
“I wanted to get something out there so they knew we were behind them,” she added. “The community doesn’t deserve something like this to happen to it. The only way to fight it is with love and kindness.”
Daily Fare bakery owner, Robin Grubard, mirrored Menichelli’s sentiment explaining that Molten Java has a “special place” in her heart.
“Bethel is a small, lovely town and we, as a community, shouldn’t support any hate crime. I would support the LGBTQ community or any community targeting in a hateful crime,” she said. “We don’t tolerate any sort of hate and local businesses will stick together for what we believe in.”