Make Faribault a safer place for trans and queer students

This is my letter to the editor of the Faribault Daily News:

Richard Olson, Lynda Boudreau, and Linda Moore have used their elected office to spread conspiracy theories that actively hurt Faribault students. They have sought to incite fear and spread panic. They have spread unfounded fear of people who are transgender, but their rhetoric is not supported by reality.

Contrary to the claims of these three school board members, people who are queer and transgender are not disproportionately dangerous, not attempting to “evangelize” others into being queer, and not pretending to be queer in order to commit crimes nor cheat at sports. There is no pattern of evidence to support anti-trans panic. 

Why are these conspiracy theories being spread? A small but vocal group-- in tandem with Olson, Boudreau, and Moore-- are working to make the public afraid of people who are trans and queer. They are intimidating queer youth into hiding their identities-- or worse.

2 in 3 queer young people said that hearing about potential local laws attacking queer people made their mental health “a lot worse.” Transgender students who have their identities disrespected by their schools die by suicide at a higher rate than those who are respected. (Statistics from the Trevor Project.)

Calling people who are transgender dangerous is not based in reality. But the effect that this anti-trans bigotry has on students is very, very real. 

By boldly supporting the dignity of trans and queer students, we make Faribault a safer place for trans and queer students. 

As neighbors, we must take care of each other. If you are not a target of hate, I hope you use every opportunity to support those who are. 

These conspiracy theorists, who bully and dehumanize students at public school board meetings, do not represent the entire community of Faribault. Olson, Boudreau, and Moore have shown their contempt for Faribault students.

To everyone else: be louder than the bullies. Do not be shy about supporting trans rights.