Respect differences

Last Friday, my 22-year-old daughter was working at a fast food restaurant in the Gonzaga district when a customer said to her “I’m glad Trump is president; now dykes like you have to keep your legs closed.” While his words were confused, his message of intolerance was crystal clear.

My daughter was extremely upset and frightened by this incident. She has lived her entire life here in Spokane and has many friends. She was far more concerned for the people she knows who are gay or lesbian, African American and of the Muslim faith. As she said “I am a white, straight and employed American. If he can say this to me, what is he going to say to everyone else?”

I certainly hope this is an isolated incident from an unbalanced mind. I would hate to lose the sense of tolerance and acceptance for all Americans that has gained such strides forward in recent years. This type of behavior cannot be allowed to tear down the progress that has been made.

My wish is for all the people of Spokane to care for and protect one another. We must respect the differences that make our community strong.

Brenda Buckles

Spokane