Dear Lyle,
I read your letter in response to the Cochrane Eagle’s front page article of April 28, "Why can't we be part of the normal' with interest.
I felt the need to respond to you because my daughter, Rosie, was one of the students photographed on the front page.
Myself and my husband are extremely proud of our 17-year-old daughter and her active role in her high school's GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). We have brought her and her siblings up to be accepting of all and to stand up for their beliefs, this is exactly what she was doing.
Herself and other students and teachers have worked hard to establish a safe place and an environment in which LGBTQ students can feel secure and share their experiences, thoughts and beliefs without hate, bigotry and misunderstanding. They work hard to promote understanding and to dispel ignorance. The one thing they do not do is promote lies!
These young adults are incredible human beings who are growing into well informed, understanding, knowledgeable and accepting people and will hopefully be able to rid our society further of the ignorance you so openly displayed in your letter.
It would be my suggestion that you took the time to talk to these young people, to understand the struggles they have already faced and to discuss with them whether they believe they have a sickness that can be cured or are just young people wanting acceptance and to lead their life in the way many deem to be “normal,” without fear of hate and judgment.
Sarah Costen
