“Being Rachel’ well-done

Ever since I read the feature “Being Rachel” in the Spokesman-Review at the beginning of June, I’ve been meaning to write and commend you for running the story. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to say this, but thank you. I was impressed by the sensitive and non-sensational treatment the writer gave to the description of Rachel’s and her family’s journey into what must have seemed to them to be unknown territory.

Given the fear and outrage with which many people approach the topic of transgender, and especially of whether it’s possible for young children to understand themselves well enough to decide that their gender doesn’t match their sex at birth, you have done a remarkable job of presenting Rachel’s story.

I hope that some of those who react negatively to transgender people will read the article with enough of an open mind to at least begin to question their assumptions. By showing this family in such a sympathetic light, you have done a public service.

Jessie Norris

Spokane