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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Don’t judge my friend

Erin (Roman) Bailey was more than my friend. He was my brother in every sense of the word, and we shared a special bond. I knew him for four years, and we grew to love and care for each other. Roman would do anything for me, and I counted on him many times.

His death Saturday was tragic, unfortunate, and never should have happened. (“Details emerge in Cheney deaths,” April 3.) His tragic and sudden death should be based solely on our loss of a friend, and not on his gender identity. I will never forget him, and am blessed to have known him.

So, if you hear stories about Roman, don’t repeat them. They are just stories, and until you can say you knew him like I did, you don’t get to judge.

Elizabeth Kurtz

Spokane

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