DEAR EDITOR:

I have been a subscriber and occasional newspaper advertiser for many years. I appreciate the local news and perspective. While I may disagree with some of the commentary and my perceived bias, I continue to support local news reporting.

I rarely spend much time on the Opinion page, but a May 9 headline, “U.S. unites against trans agenda,” jumped out at me. Unfortunately, the accompanying article and found it just as bigoted and self-righteous as the headline foretold.

I’m a 47-year-old gay man who remembers quite clearly headlines warning about “gay agenda.” I remember how those headlines and articles shaped public opinion and opinions of friends and family during the 1980s and ’90s. I lost friends and family to the dangerous bigotry that writing engendered. I saw members of my community attacked in the media, in politics and on the streets by righteous people who believed their violence was justified.

While many people have since become allies and conveniently forgotten outdated opinions, damage was done and lives were lost.

Thought leaders and trusted institutions have tremendous power to shape legislation and move the hearts and minds of politicians, if only because of swaying of their poll numbers. When voices of bigotry are elevated, legislation follows. Gay panic laws, many still on the books, made it easier and safer for bigots to target us with violence and get away with their violent attacks. Targeted laws against the LGBTQ+ community, not only continue to this day, but are escalating.

Public opinion is shaped by the voices local media organizations choose to elevate. Local media is still the most trusted source of media in our country, and newspapers hold a special place in the hearts of many people. When you give an uncritical space to articles and opinions, like the one by Erick Erickson published on May 9, you are giving aid and comfort to those using prejudice to shape public opinion.

It is incumbent for all those in positions of power and influence to protect the most vulnerable. What is power, for if not to defend those in need of protection? We must remember the lessons of the past and not allow hatred, bigotry and discrimination into our discourse.

Progress for the powerless is usually written in blood. It doesn’t have to be, and while the arc of history bends toward justice, wouldn’t it be nice if it didn’t require so much suffering?

JOHN MICHAEL THORNTON

Youngstown