Tillamook County continues to grapple with efforts to pressure our libraries, schools, our elected leaders and our neighbors into banning books and limiting discourse in our schools and public institutions.
A recent letter this time, focused on the LGBTQIA+/Gay Agenda as harmful to our youth and our society, and exhorted local leaders to respond.
“Gay Agenda” was coined by right-wing Christian groups in the United States in the 1990s. The term represents a pejorative effort to encourage harmful legislation and hateful speech towards minority groups. It is a form of Christian bigotry.
Our LGBTQIA+ youth are already under siege in this country. It is estimated that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQIA+; many are on the streets having been thrown out of their homes by parents due to their queer identification.
If there is an actual “Gay Agenda”, it is for our Gay friends and neighbors to be allowed to stay alive without persecution.
I urge Tillamook County officials throughout all levels of our institutions to not only encourage acceptance of all of our residents, but to go further and to advocate for all of us, regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation. All of our stories are worth hearing.
Mark Kuestner