‘Tillamook for Love’ forms on the spur of the moment during impromptu demonstration

Makaila Ragan, far right. (Photo courtesy Tillamook for Love)

TILLAMOOK, Ore. – When she noticed two men carrying signs condemning homosexuality and yelling insults at passersby outside her mother’s workplace yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, May 19, Makaila Ragan decided to fight hate with love.

“I was so irritated because I see them all around town and all they ever do is make people feel like crap about themselves,” said Ragan, a junior at Tillamook High School. The men were standing outside Eyes of Oregon, on 1st Street and Main Avenue, where her mother works. “I went inside and asked her and her boss if it would be all right if I made a poster that stands up for what I believe in,” she said. “They were totally all for it. So I made a sign that said, ‘I love Gays.’”

The two men, said Makaila, began insulting her personally. “They were calling me names, and asking my mom questions, like, ‘How many times did you have to get an abortion before you were able to have your daughter?’ and saying, ‘You’re going to burn in hell right along with your daughter.’ The things they were saying were just awful, but I didn’t let them faze me.”

Soon, Ragan found herself surrounded by supporters. “More people started showing up with signs, and then people started bringing food. One lady brought flowers and another man gave us money and told us to all go buy drinks or something.”

Throughout the evening, several local pastors showed up to tell the two men that they do not represent all Christians and “that everyone is loved by God,” said Ragan. “It was nice getting all that support from people from all over.”

Ragan and her group decided they wouldn’t leave until the two men did, and so they stood on the corner of the busiest intersection in downtown Tillamook cheering with every honk of support or wave they received from passing motorists until well past dusk. “I was there from 4 until about 10:30,” she said. “The two men finally left at 10:30, so we all left after that.” Altogether, she estimates about 45 people joined her in demonstrating last night.

During the demonstration, several supporters launched the Tillamook for Love Facebook group. Through it, Ragan reported she planned to demonstrate again. “It was amazing to see the variety of people there, not just my friends from high school.”

Ragan’s mother, Megan McGowan, said she was surprised that the group grew as it did. “I am beyond proud of my daughter for having the courage to stand up for what she believes in,” she said. “I had no idea that it would turn in to such a huge event. It was heartwarming how many people came for support. Makaila feels so strongly that we are all equal, no matter who you love. Someone needed to step up against these two men who have insulted so many people. I was attacked verbally by them for allowing my daughter to ‘believe sinning is OK.’ Makaila stood up. Boy, did she ever! Look what she did – wow! I’m so, so proud of her.”

The Pioneer has attempted to find the two men who initially appeared on 1st and Main with signs, but has not managed to locate them. If anyone knows their names or how to reach them for comment, let us know at tillamookcountypioneer@gmail.com.

UPDATE: Thursday, May 21 – The Pioneer caught up with one of the street preachers – Allen Pucket – and reported on that conversation today. You can read that article here.