In regard to the article “Parent’s anti-trans comments spark backlash” appearing in the May 18, 2024 issue of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, I am pleased the Saranac Lake Central School District and the board of education is following up on this issue.

To be fair, Mr. Wilson did post an attempted apology on Facebook, but the damage was already done! His “apology” is wholeheartedly rejected by many members of our local/regional LGBTQIA-plus community and especially by our LGBTQIA-plus youth! Transgender people are always made out to be the problem, when we are only looking to live our authentic lives as best we can and on our own terms.

Mr. Wilson stated he does not agree with or support transgender athletes. If he would take the time to read and understand New York state Dignity for All Student’s Act (DASA), New York state does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity! All students, regardless of gender, are able to participate in school-related activities in the gender in which they identify.

In this case, the student on the opposing team was assigned female at birth, playing on a female sports team! Transgender and cisgender students have a right under New York state law to participate in all aspects of school life including sports. It matters not if Mr. Wilson or those who support him agree with this or not!

Perhaps Mr. Wilson should spend time getting to know transgender youth and people before condemning us! The transphobic bigotry needs to end! Mr. Wilson and others like him need to allow our children to live their autenthic lives!

How would Mr. Wilson respond if one of his daughters announced they were lesbian, gender nonbinary, genderfluid or transgender (transmale)? Would he love them less or not support them as they grow into their future selves?

Have empathy for others Mr. Wilson, learn the facts before you say and post harmful words and materials!

I do appreciate the fact Mr. Wilson recognized his mistake and is taking steps to apologize and make amends (presumably because he fears how this will adversely affect his “Good Guy Productions” — an entertainment business), the fact you acted in such a “kneejerk” way initially still speaks volumes as to who you are as an individual. While your apology does on the surface seem to be sincere this time — only because you were caught publicly in your venomous rage — what happens going forward? So much for being a “Good Guy.”

Yes, Mr. Wilson, you do need to “eat crow” as you put it, more importantly you need to respect others! The way you lashed out (without knowing the facts) at this visiting student, how your words and actions affected this student, their family, and their school as well as our Saranac Lake region, cannot be forgotten or forgiven! Given the terribly transphobic language you use, you cannot be trusted around youth or LGBTQIA-plus people of any age! What will happen if/when you are set off again? Will you become even more violent in your words or actions? Our community simply cannot take that risk!

I am requesting all schools and any other community organizations doing business with Mr. Wilson or his “Good Guy Productions” (www.goodguyproductions.com) immediately boycott his business and services. To support him is equivalent saying you agree with his hateful, divisive, bigoted and transphobic message which has no place here in our region.

Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, in partnership with the Saranac Lake Youth Center, is holding a community discussion/forum on this issue at the Saranac Lake Free Library on Main Street on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 5:30-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

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Kelly Metzgar is the executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance. She lives in Saranac Lake.