<\/a>Ketchikan residents turn out to show support to the LGBTQ community after a florist refused service to a gay couple on June 5, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Tommy Varela)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
“I don’t even know who I spoke to because we didn’t exchange names,” said Kathleen Varela, Tommy’s mother, in a phone interview. “I said, ‘It’s a wedding for two grooms, are you comfortable with that?’ And there was a long and awkward silence and then ‘No, I’m not comfortable with that.’”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Kathleen Varela said the florist has never expressed any antipathy toward the LGBTQ community before. Heavenly Creations is the same florist Tommy used to get his boutonniere for prom, Kathleen Varela said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“I’ve asked everybody. I’ve been up front with everybody,” she said. “I guess I just wasn’t prepared for the no, especially since we’ve done business.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kathleen.griegovarela\/posts\/3270650982966428<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Tommy Varela, with the help of a family friend, organized a rally for the next day outside the florist, located on Ketchikan’s waterfront. The rally was well-attended, Tommy Varela said, with between 100 and 200 people showing up.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“We had someone with a megaphone leading a couple of love chants. Other than that, it was a really peaceful gathering and display of love. We cheered for all the honks we got. I feel like there weren’t any moments of silence,” Tommy said. “Ketchikan already has this great sense of community, and I’ve seen them come together in times of need to support. I was proud of everyone for keeping it peaceful. It was a really peaceful display of support.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t