On the recent article covering the vigil held in Rotary Park for the victims of the Orlando Massacre, the headline, “Vigil for Orlando victims transcends race, sexual preference:”

We all have preferences. When you go to a restaurant and your preferred entree isn’t available, you might be inconvenienced, but you are still able to order something else. Preference is about choice. From the dictionary, “a greater liking for one alternative over another or others.” This couldn’t be more inaccurate in describing sexual orientation and gender identity.

“Sexual preference” is a wildly outdated and improper identifier to describe gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The simple linguistics of this phrase imply that LGBT individuals choose to love whom they love, or choose to live who they are. It is simply not the case.

I am gay, and I can assure you I didn’t wake up one day and decide to become part of a minority group targeted by bigots and deprived of basic rights by my government. I did not choose to live in a world where the hate of others inspires them to come after us and massacre innocent revelers because of who we are.

By continuing to perpetuate the use of this kind of language, media shares in the blame when homophobic and hateful individuals act on their rage and cause the death of LGBT Americans. The underlying effect of linguistics on societal views is pervasive, and the media has a special responsibility to ensure their reporting is accurate and thoughtful for this very reason.

To so blatantly imply that most the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history and a major hate crime are acting out a preference is an insult of the highest order. They were simply celebrating in a safe space where they could express themselves freely. The Herald ought to issue an immediate correction and apology for its error.

William “Hank” Searfus

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Editor’s note: William Searfus graduated from Durango High School in 2014.