To the editor:

Recent events and responses have not only hurt our LGBTQIA-plus neighbors, young and old, but also those who love them. But my intent here is not to rehash the past, but to express my joy in the hope for the future of our LGBTQ-plus friends and neighbors. I am writing today as the grandmother of a transgender granddaughter.

I have watched her struggle for years to find who she really is, where she belongs and through the love of family, supportive friends, counseling and more, she has now made that important discovery and the change has been so beautiful. She is now a bright, happy honor student in college where she has found the support of college friends, professors, staff, and her church and is looking ahead to graduating. I am so proud of her! Not everyone has that much-needed support.

I am filled with joy, love and respect for the LGBTQIA-plus community and those who accept, include and care for them in Saranac Lake. The recent Pride Festival was an amazing show of love, support and much hard work in planning the event with so many diverse people being involved. Businesses, individuals, friends, parents and more worked together to make PRIDE happen. I am proud of the community of Saranac Lake for coming together in support and understanding and just to share the fun with each other. The parade was fun and a great way to begin the celebration!

I am especially proud of the youth of our community. I serve as an ally to them at our local youth center. I strive to be a person with whom they can feel safe, share a confidence with or just be friends and often find the love and acceptance they sometimes don’t find even in their own homes and families or even at school. In a special way, they are “My Kids” and when “My Kids” hurt, I hurt. They are bright, loving, fun, creative and just want to be accepted for who they are instead of being bullied or even physically hurt.

I was delighted to listen to the music, singers, admire the dancers and the fashion show and more. They have many gifts and talents to share with us also. What a wonderful community that can endure the storm and still dance in the rain. I love the beautiful new mural and its theme of “Welcoming and Belonging” just what we are called to be and do!

Do you know someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc.? Get to know them better. Sit with them and chat, so that you may see the person they are. And if you hurt one of them, remember many others are hurt also. In the meantime, be careful who you hate, it might be someone you love. I am so glad we chose this place to live 52 years ago!

Cindy Smith

Saranac Lake