As a pastor and parent, I was disturbed to read in The Durango Herald (April 8) that a state Social Studies Review Committee has decided to recommend banning any reference to LGBTQ people in classes below fourth grade. The fact is that most youngsters in America have a gay uncle or an aunt in a same-sex relationship, or a neighbor who doesn’t look like the stereotypical mom or dad from the “Dick and Jane” readers of my childhood. The fact is that kids are very aware of differences - of skin tone, of appearance, of ability of family customs and configurations - and should be taught that differences are okay. Trying to hide these differences or banish them from the schoolroom doesn’t make them go away. It just makes them scary and because they are unmentionable, somewhat shameful. I don’t want any child to feel ashamed of who they are, or ashamed of their aunt or uncle or neighbor. My faith tells me to love my neighbor. I worry about a school that makes any class of people invisible or renders their lives unspeakable.
Gary Kowalski
Durango
