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LGBTQ+: Not a lifestyle nor religion

There was a letter written in response to the one I recently submitted regarding the lawsuit against MPS. The response letter referenced the idea of LGBTQ+ as a ‘lifestyle’ and saying no lifestyles or religions should be promoted in a school above other ones. It also mentioned that Christian flags were denied to be flown at the school in various settings. I would like to take the time to respond to this letter as I feel it is reflecting a rather misled mindset.

First, LGBTQ+ is not a lifestyle. It is not a choice that folks can simply turn on and off- therefore, MPS is not promoting one ‘lifestyle’ over another. If you are struggling with this concept, here is a really good article written by somebody that is LGBTQ+: http://indepthnh.org/2017/05/14/its-not-a-lifestyle-so-just-get-over-it/

Second, LGBTQ+ is not a religion. Because it is not a religion, the flag that is present in the school is not infringing on the validity of other religions — whereas a Christian flag would. It is similar to comparing apples and oranges, but I know this is something that many may struggle to understand as identity and religion often meet at crossroads even for those that are not LGBTQ+ (As a Christian woman, I personally did not fully understand this concept myself until high school when I started putting in the effort of growing and developing my perspectives).

If you still have concerns about how this may affect your religion, there have been many religious organizations that have issued statements of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Here is a great resource: https://www.hrc.org/resources/faith-positions

As I wrote in my original letter, you do not have to implement the community in your personal beliefs and you do not have to implement it in your household. However, in public institutions there does need to be acceptance because that institution is for all to be welcome.

Doria Drost

Tracy

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