LGBQT debate in Tri-Cities schools is hurting kids, says one Tri-City Herald letter writer

LGBTQ ‘debate’ hurts, not helps

These school boards “debating” whether pride flags should be banned are just horrible. Talk to literally one current or former LGBTQ youth, or spend a whopping five minutes looking up LGBTQ youth mental health information, and you will understand the deep, deep harm these bigoted (yes, this does make them bigots, whether it’s stereotypical vitriol or not) school board members are trying to commit.

If they get their way, and yet again keep the closet door shut and the self-hate machine running for queer kids, they will have blood on their hands. Gabe Galbraith, Micah Valentine, Audrey Byrd, Semi Bird and Kari Williams will help support a system that literally forces kids like I was to hate themselves for being different, and even to harm themselves because of that. They will never realize it, but they will one day have to answer for the innocent youth they caused serious pain.

Pride and its positive or negative impact is much more impactful than the straight majority seem to realize. Do the right thing folks, and don’t be a part of a system that destroys LGBTQ youth like these board members devoid of empathy.

Ray Gilmore, Richland

Care for yourself during holidays

The holidays are just around the corner, the hustle and bustle brings excitement and glee to many; however, for many, it can bring about many complicated and upsetting emotions. The holiday blues are a common experience that can bring about feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. It can come about from experiencing losses, separation and big life changes. Some ways to cope with these feelings are to maintain a normal routine, get a healthy amount of sleep, regular exercise, eat healthy meals, avoid using alcohol or other substances, ensure you employ regular self-care by doing activities that you love and being around people who nourish and recharge you, and remember previous coping skills that have worked for you in the past and draw on your own strengths.

Watch for those around you who may be experiencing the holiday blues and help support them through this holiday season. Remember to take one day at a time, one hour at a time, and draw upon those supports and strengths around and within yourself and celebrate in your own way that is most comfortable for you. Happy holidays from the Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center!

Rowan Schmieman, MSW, LICSWA counselor, Richland

Adopt Alaska’s fishing closures

The Alaska Fish & Game Department has closed the harvest of snow and king crab in the Bering Sea because of the depleted levels of crab available to harvest. Crab companies are in an uproar, but they have been told the summer populations of the crabs are so low this is the only decision that could be made.

Congrats to the Alaska Fish & Game people.

Now, if only Washington’s departments would have enough backbone to do the same thing with salmon fishing in the seas along the coast of Washington. The crab companies harvest millions of pounds of King, Chinook and other salmon species all the while our game departments are crying over the depleted returning salmon runs.

While they’re at it, why not close recreational salmon fishing at the same time?

If we really want to see the salmon runs increase, let’s be proactive and actually do something about the problem instead of just studying it and whining about it.

Mike Lauman, Pasco