Letter: We embrace diversity

At a library board meeting, we heard a young transgender person address the true problem of book banning. They spoke to feeling hated because they are different and spoke to the comfort of finding materials in the library that reassured them that they are not alone in the world. As grandparents this child’s bravery touched our hearts.

We are both from large diverse families with many members who are gay, lesbian, black, brown, and ethnically diverse. We believe that our family reflects the changes in America. We embrace this diversity and the opportunities to love who we want, to marry these loves and to be respected for these choices. We remember a time when people had to hide their loves and true selves to fit in and we have been, until recently, so proud of America for accepting different backgrounds.

We are truly offended by movements like M4L who want to tell us who we can or cannot love, masquerading messages as what we can/cannot read. We are offended by people who tell us what kind of a Christian we should be. To be Christ-like is to love and embrace and accept others. We are fearful that by following someone like Kellie’s candidate endorsement we will be bringing more prejudice and hate to Brookings, not less.

Vote your conscience but be certain you vote for candidates that reflect your values. We hope these are values of true love and diversity.

Victor and Denise Ortega

Brookings