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

Article sensitive, eye-opening

Sat., June 11, 2016

Eli Francovich deserves kudos and awards for the article on Rachel White. The article is a sensitive, insightful, thorough study of a transgender child and her family, their challenges and their successes.

Although the article does not dwell on the scientific or medical aspects of sexual identity, it illustrates well the current view of the scientific community that sexual identity is determined before birth and is not a choice.

I applaud the White family for sharing their story. The Whites and Francovich may have opened the minds of many readers who have been reluctant to regard transgender people as being just like the rest of us, but with their own unique challenges, and deserving of the same respect and acceptance as all of us.

Karen Carlberg

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403