I’ve been reflecting on why I find it easy to forgive those who have moved past anti-LGBTQ views, yet I struggle to find that same grace for MAGA voters who are only now expressing regret after "finding out."

For me, it comes down to the "Why" behind the change.

When I see someone unlearn homophobia or transphobia, I’m seeing a genuine shift in empathy. They’ve usually done the hard work of humanizing a group they didn't understand. Their heart changed because they realized their previous stance caused unnecessary pain to others. To me, that is a moral evolution, and it’s something worth celebrating and forgiving.

In contrast, much of the regret I see from the MAGA movement lately feels transactional. It often only surfaces when the policies they championed finally start hurting their own wallets, their own businesses, or their own families.

There is a fundamental difference between:
--- "I'm sorry I hurt you" (Empathy-based growth)
--- "I'm sorry this is now hurting me" (Self-interest-based regret)

It’s hard for me to offer "forgiveness" for the latter because the underlying values haven't necessarily changed—only the circumstances have.

One is a change of heart; the other is just a reaction to the bill finally coming due.

In a decisive move that underscores the city’s commitment to inclusivity, the Palm Desert City Council voted 4-1 yesterday to reject a controversial proposal that would have ended the city’s formal recognition of Pride Month.



The proposal, introduced by Councilman Joe Pradetto, sought to strip the city of its long-standing tradition of honoring the LGBTQ+ community every June and would have permanently removed the Pride banner from its prominent display at City Hall.

The meeting drew significant attention from the community, with residents and activists filling the council chambers to weigh in on the symbolic importance of Pride.

In their remarks, council members noted that the Pride banner serves as a beacon of progress and acceptance in the Coachella Valley. They argued that removing such symbols could be interpreted as an act of exclusion, potentially alienating residents and visitors alike. (continued at link)

Palm Desert SHOCKER: Mayor Pro Tem Proposes Ending City’s Official Pride Month Recognition
December 14, 2025

The LGBTQ+ community and local advocates are voicing strong opposition following a controversial proposal introduced by Republican endorsed Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto that would eliminate the city’s official recognition of Pride Month.

The proposal was brought forward during a Palm Desert City Council meeting on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Pradetto, during the public discussion, suggested that the city should cease all official recognition of Pride Month in June.
The measure put forth by Pradetto specifically recommended that the city take steps to:

• End the formal acknowledgment of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
• No longer display the Pride banner, which typically flies at City Hall throughout the month of June.

The proposal was met with immediate and strong opposition from residents and advocacy groups. Critics argue that removing the city’s official recognition of Pride Month is a politically divisive move that undermines Palm Desert’s stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.