A lesbian couple in Albany, New York
says their neighbor has been making their lives difficult since they
hung a rainbow flag.
Married couple Melinda and Kelly Person
hung the flag outside their suburban home in a show of solidarity
with the 49 people who died and dozens who were wounded in a mass
shooting in June at an Orlando gay nightclub.
One of their neighbors responded by
posting “No trespassing” signs along the border of their
property.
Melinda said that when she tried to
talk to the couple, they refused and even called the police on her
for trespassing.
In August, the neighbors disturbed
their twin boys' third birthday party by riding lawnmowers in circles
on their property the entire afternoon. More recently, they spray
painted “TRUMP” on two trees that face the Persons' home.
“I think [Donald] Trump has given
closeted bigots a sense of empowerment and they now feel the freedom
to express their hate,” Melinda told The
Huffington Post. “Our three-year-old twins ask questions
about what the signs are for. We say our neighbors aren't very
nice.”
“I'm sad that my kids have to grow up
next to this hate,” Kelly added.