Headline harmful

In response to Steve Massey’s “Transgenderism neither normal nor acceptable,” it is my understanding that headlines are editorial decisions — not those of columnists. If so, yours merits further examination.

Imagine yourself as a kid flipping through a newspaper — a medium you implicitly trust — and seeing in bold “You are not normal.” How does that feel? Feel that shame in your body now as an adult. Breathe. Remember that as Steve pointed out, over 40 percent of trans people, some as kids, attempt suicide.

Empathize.

The First Amendment protects Steve’s right to dehumanizing beliefs, which harm people who contribute to our community every day. You as editors have the choice to elevate a diversity of voices, and good. I hope your voices remain truly diverse. I hope I continue to be confronted with unfamiliar, frustrating opinions because of this choice.

However, when we communicate that it’s acceptable to generalize about a group presented as inferior, it normalizes violence against people who already fight for bodily safety daily. I hope you see how Massey’s column and its presentation was harmful. Show courage when hate speech next crosses your desk. The power you hold includes a responsibility to navigate difference without furthering harm against the oppressed.

Taylor Weech

Spokane