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When we know better

EDITOR:

After attending the Dickinson County Library Board meeting last Tuesday, I learned that many of the people there are ignorant. The word ignorant is defined as “lack of knowledge.” I’m going to attempt to correct that by explaining what the word lifestyle means in relationship to all of us, and how demeaning it is when speaking about people in the LGBTQIA community. A lifestyle is a choice one has on how they want to live their lives. Example: Choosing to live in a van down by the river, or embracing a vegan diet is a lifestyle choice.

I was born a white, heterosexual (cisgender) female. I had no choice on that matter. That was done when sperm met ova and the DNA from both parents designed my unique DNA code, making me who I am. I am lucky in the fact that my genital and brain chemistry matched. Of course, the experiences I have had since that meeting further makes me who I am today. From my unique DNA and the experiences I have had, I have chosen to live my authentic life.

There is truth in Lady Gaga’s song, “Born this Way.” Science is making breakthroughs every day to unlock the DNA code of sexual orientation and gender identity. We will soon be able to understand why one brother is gay while the other one is straight. The only real choice LGBQTIA people have is to either live their authentic life — the one they were born into –to its fullest or live a false life fearful of being cut off from family, friends and their community, all while denying who they really are. It is NOT a lifestyle choice; it is their true life.

I hope this helps many to understand the difference and why it is important to know, because when we know better, we act better.

In a final note, I have only three words for the woman who was standing behind a man at the library meeting. When you heard he was gay, you took two steps away from him — it was seen by many and my heart broke a little. Shame, shame, shame. Hopefully, now you know better.

Lynne Wilson

Iron Mountain

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