Dear Editor:
It's hard to be a progressive living in Missouri and not feel like an outcast.
Seemingly everywhere, strict gender roles are enforced by both words and deeds; racist imagery is tolerated downtown; a cadre of state legislators wanted to put LGBTQ rights up for a popular vote under the guise of religious liberty; Christian prayers are forced upon people just trying to go about their business, such as attending City Council meetings; at least one church has made it clear that "practicing" LGBTQ folk are not welcome; there's an unnecessary hullabaloo about who uses what restroom.
I feel sad for people who are not able/willing to accept all people for who they are and celebrate each individual. They are missing out on the richness that is the USA.
The man who shot over 100 innocent people in Orlando was American. Reports indicate that he subscribed to a gay dating app and frequented the bar that he attacked. I think one could safely deduce that he had been conditioned by society to hate what he found in himself that was "different" or outside mainstream approval.
It doesn't matter to me what religion he was, if any; indications are that he wasn't very well-versed in Islam. Many bad actors get their playbooks from religion, Christian just as often as any other. Anyone who stirs up hatred for Planned Parenthood or women who make reproductive health care decisions that are no one's business but their own; who judges and condemns rather than welcomes and celebrates all human beings; is part of the culture that created the gunman, and frankly, the culture responsible for the increased suicide rate among LGBTQ youth.
I know that people can grow beyond the old ways they were conditioned to think about difference, if only willing to do so. I think most would find the letting go of judgment and criticism to be freeing, to lighten their burden. As Missouri native Maya Angelou said, "When we know better, we do better." I really think most of Missouri is capable of better. I hope many will accept this invitation.