toma.qxd
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
It is with strong ambivalence that I write this to you. I applaud and thank you for running the lead story, “In With the Out Crowd,” in the December 11 issue of the Reader. Having worked with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) youth for over five years, I know that the strengths and talents of LGBT young people are not acknowledged enough. This story evidenced the need for the well-deserved recognition of such brave youths as Marieke, Tanya, Kevin, and Nina.
And then my ambivalence comes forth. I think about the other hundreds of LGBT young people whom we serve on a continual and intensive basis. Many are struggling in the closet just to make it through the day in their high schools without a safe space. Many have been forced out of the closet and out of their schools. Many are homeless after being kicked out of their house or choosing to leave because of the danger of living at home. Many are strong and vibrant and supported. Many are also confused and alone and in a lot of pain. These are the young people I felt were overlooked in the article. These young people were left without information on places to go, information on places that are in existence for them and have been around for years, providing safe spaces for LGBT youth in their communities and outside of their communities.
GLAD (Matteson): 708-747-2708, extension 5728.
