To the editor:

I knew something was different when I was 5.

I realized different wasn’t good, so I prayed that it would go away. Then, I started praying that I would die before anyone found out. Then, I prayed that I wouldn’t have to do it myself.

I had the magical number of 30 in my head as an expiration date; I fixated on it multiple times throughout junior high and high school as I contemplated killing myself.

I will turn 31 this year and it won’t be my last. Queer kids in places like rural Minnesota need to know how important they are for who they are, and that they are cared for and valued for their whole self. The letter to the editor section has focused too much on what’s wrong with them, instead of everything that is right.

To the LGBTQ+ youth reading this; you have value and it is not lessened by your sex, gender or (in) attractions. The truth is that you are a gift to this community and we need you around for who you are and who you will become. You have talents that only you can deliver the way you do because there will be no one else like you. You have something to give and no one else can play your part. You’re reading this because you said “yes” to today, and because I said “yes” a hundred times before.

To date, Trudy Madetzke has over 15 different submissions that reference LGBTQ+ people and/or the Pride flag that otherwise devalue their existence. Bigotries and obsessions like hers and Chad Conway are merely a sample of the challenging world queer folks navigate each day.

In response, I’m pledging $10 to the Trevor Project for each past and future letter in her honor. Join me in contributing good by supporting the Trevor Project.

If you are a young person in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386

Everyone knows a person that is queer, and they just haven’t told you yet. Love them first.

Kirby Schmidt

Corvallis, OR

formerly of Marshall