To the editor:

To the queer community of Marshall: this message is for you. (Much the same as the dangerous, steady stream of near daily messages spewing hate, bigotry, and a dangerous message of cruelty published here is for people who are already radicalized into this new, extreme, politically-motivated sector of Christianity).

I hope you see all the light you bring to the world. I hope you are surrounded by people who affirm, love, and accept you for exactly who you are. I hope people use your preferred pronouns and apologize when they jumble them up, evidence that they care and are trying. I hope you feel valued and respected and safe. I hope you find your voice and use it loudly and proudly. I hope you are included everywhere and that you get to experience the beauty of loving and being loved, wholly for who you are.

May you date, dance with, and marry whomever you choose. May you be empowered to keep yourselves safe, may you enjoy drag shows, movies, books, plays, and music where you see and hear yourselves represented. You know, all the same stuff that straight people have had the privilege of experiencing their entire lives.

Above all, may love be all you know.

The world is a better place with you in it.

Karrie Alberts

Saint Michael