To the editor:

I want to commend the students for speaking out. What these kids have reported is not only heartbreaking that anyone would treat them hurtfully, it also makes me furious.

How dare anyone bully or put down anyone for who they are? We are all God’s children and deserve to be respected and treated kindly. No one knows what anyone else is going through. Slurs, harassment, “death threats?” Violence threatened to kids … how utterly shameful. Who are you to judge another? To hurt another. To disparage another, especially vulnerable teens is wrong. Getting through teen years is tough enough, hormones and emotions running high. Our kids deserve our support, period! Whether you understand where they are coming from or not, treat them respectfully.

In my career as an administrator at NYU Medical Center, Plastic Surgery Division, I used to attend the Tuesday evening conferences where occasionally a visiting surgeon would make a presentation to the surgical residents. One such presentation was given by a kindly, older gentleman plastic surgeon who was from University of Virginia Medical School. He was a pioneer in gender reassignment surgery. He required extensive psychological counseling and evaluation before considering the surgery. A person’s mental health is paramount in how they feel about themselves and how that would affect outcomes. I was impressed at how empathetic this man was in understanding and caring for his patients. I never forgot him.

In summary, I would ask that our community have some class and make an effort to be kind to one another. I have met Kelly Metzger a few times, and find her to be a nice, sincere person who cares about her fellow man or woman. She deserves to be left alone to live her life without harassment. Come on people!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Zahn

Saranac Lake