Letter: Many are here for LGBTQ individuals

I would like to respond to the letter published on Dec. 2 by Teri Paulson entitled: Misguided opinion on sex ed curriculum" where Paulson expresses disapproval for the new state sex education curriculum standards approved by the District 211 Board Of Education. Paulson's "church" even goes as far as to spread fliers containing what I feel are skewed and misguided viewpoints masked by religion that directly contribute to the rise of suicide rates when read by young impressionable LGBTQ+ kids and young adults.

To the young gay/trans teens and young adults who may unpleasantly encounter Paulson's letter or that "church's" fliers:

Please know there are indeed millions of people who do not share those views. There are people who see you and fully accept you as you are. People who do not stigmatize you because of the way you were born. People who celebrate you fully. People who would be happy to sell you wedding cakes and more. People who would welcome you equitably into their open and affirming inclusive churches as you are. People who won't try to "fix" you because there's nothing to fix.

People who listen to God's still-speaking words.

Seek us out. Don't let your life be reduced to Paulson's or some dreadful flier's derogatory definition of you. Don't let your life be snuffed out by those misguided words. Live fully and openly in spite of them.

You are loved and welcomed. Equally. We are here for you. Always.

Louis S. Guagenti

Arlington Heights