Need people to understand

I was upset to read the Aug. 12 column “Transgenderism neither normal nor acceptable” by Mr. Steve Massey. I don’t think your publication is an appropriate outlet for this display of ignorance and intolerance.

Mr. Massey acknowledged in his article that the rate of suicide among transgender and non-gender conforming people is staggeringly high. Do you know why this is? Because of people like him who won’t let transgender people live as the gender they identify with. They would rather die than not be allowed to be who they are.

How would Massey like being forced to live as a woman? Because he isn’t transgender himself, he doesn’t understand it, but that’s how it feels for them. Gender identity sometimes does not match with the external sex organs. As you Massey say, “God invites us to embrace who he has made us to be.” Indeed! That is what transgender people are doing by living as the gender they identify with.

They don’t need the gospel to change their hearts; they need people to understand them and allow them to live their lives. These personal religious beliefs encourage hate and discrimination and should not be displayed in this publication.

Gina Claeys

Spokane