Let’s be allies

Posted on by Katharine Sprecher

I was saddened to see Chuck Shepherd's glib treatment of transgender children [“News of the Weird: Faimly Values,” Nov. 22 Xpress).

Let's not perpetuate the ignorance and lack of acceptance that has marked too many young people's lives with cruelty and alienation. The experience of gender fluidity can start as early as 3 or 4 years old, when children's natural development includes recognition of biological and gender differences. As media sources, you have a lot of power and responsibility for setting the tone regarding how young people from marginalized and vulnerable populations are perceived and treated by others. I implore you to educate yourselves and go to http://www.youthandgendermediaproject.org to read and watch video clips about the real lives of gender non-conforming youth and their families. Let's be allies, not assholes.

— Katharine Sprecher
Weaverville

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One thought on “Let’s be allies”

  1. teally

    Chuck Shepherd frequently makes trans people the butt of his “jokes” in ‘News of the Weird.’ It’s the main reason that i don’t read it anymore.

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