October 9, 2018
Dear editor;
An open response to Ms Joan Solms:
I have been following for years your rants in the Reader’s Voice section of The Voice. At first your letters were cute and appeared harmless. Lately, however, I am becoming concerned for you. You sound as if you are growing more bitter toward those who choose to live their lives in ways that do not conform to the mold you demand. That is sad.
Your recent prattle (October 4 issue in The Voice – click here to see) about the Aurora Pride Parade is evidence of what I speak. Every time any group of individuals chooses to take pride in themselves and celebrate life, the entire community benefits. I lived in Aurora during some of its darkest times. I have seen the changes in that great city that came about by citizens taking pride in who they are and where they live. Gone are the days of street walkers of both genders. Gone are the days of a dead downtown. Gone are the days of political non-caring.
Today those in the know, love the city of Aurora, the community events, the acceptance of one another. I need not be African American to mourn Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. I need not be Latino to embrace Cinco de Mayo. I need not be Irish to go to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. And I need not be gay to hug a friend who is.
Think of LGBT with a new definition: Live Genuine, Be True.
Ms Solms, get your mind out of the gutter. Pride has little to do with a person’s sexuality. Pride is about the humanness of the person. The Pride Parade is a continuation of the peaceful demonstrations that brought Americans to the point of being able to be equal. These are the demonstrations that maintain your right to speak out against the demonstrations. Bitterness and hate are creations of the evil one.
As I have said in the past, anyone who does not choose to be a part of the healing can stay home and miss the outpouring of love.
I will be praying for you.
TJ Johnson
Demotte, Ind.