The Hurt of Hatred

To The Editor: My name is February, but

My name is February, but many of you will know me as Dane Hall. I was a star student at La Grange High School before I left to attend college at 16. I was in the marching band, I did UIL competitions, I was an active member of First United Methodist Church, I lived in town, I grew up with you all. I am also a transgender woman.

The recent drama over library book selection and sexuality is exhausting even from a distance. Gay people exist, and you need to get over it. Trans people exist, and you also need to get over it. I am aware of two trans youth who killed themselves in La Grange within the past decade. You may have known one and not realized that they were transgender. You are killing your children with your bigotry and exclusion. Let kids read a book and learn about other identities; your policing isn’t going to stop them from holding those identities, but it will alienate you from them, cause them immeasurable pain, and increase their risk of suicide and other adverse behavioral health outcomes.

Being transgender is beautiful, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I finally have a shot at life because I was able to escape La Grange and the regressive, reactionary hatred that this community fosters towards LGBTQ+ youth.

February Dane Hall

Broomfield, Colorado