To the editor:

In a country where too many leaders model bullying, revenge and retribution, we can stand up and lead in a way that builds inclusive caring communities. We can stand up for people who are excluded and all too often bullied. Enter, Spirit Day — a day to create awareness of the bullying and harassment that the LGBTQ. community faces all too often. (I pray that conversion “therapy” is not added to their mistreatment.) Spirit Day is a day to spark lasting empathy understanding and support. Sadly LGBTQ youth and adults are harassed and targeted simply because of their identity.

Seeing the increased suicide rates of transgender youth, Canadian teenager Brittnay McMillan used social media to call attention to the need to change course. She asked for people to wear purple to signify support. Her efforts caught on and now Spirit Day is celebrated the third Thursday of October. Her efforts drew the attention of GLAAD, a media monitoring organization founded as a protest against defamatory coverage of LGBTQ people. If you want resource kits for ally youths to stand up against bullying of any kind in schools, GLAAD has resources. Locally PFLAG Marshall/Buffalo Ridge has similar resources. Both groups can be found online.

Here is the take away: 1. We are capable of seeing the humanity in everyone should we make that active choice. 2. Love is Love. 3. In a world where too many echo fear and division, we can choose compassion, unity and community.

Darwin Dyce

Ghent