Remove Hate
I ran across this letter that I wrote explaining Youth Alliance’s non-action at a Fred Phelps event back in 2003. The feeling was that by creating a larger scene more negative attention would be drawn to the youth than was already being drawn. While this letter never got sent, it seems like something that I’d want to save.
Dear Julius,
Youth Alliance is a non-profit Des Moines-based organization that provides support to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied youth through education and advocacy while empowering Central Iowans to create safer spaces and end discrimination in our schools and communities.
The board of Youth Alliance would like to congratulate you for receiving the Matthew Shepherd Scholarship. It is wonderful to see that youth today wish to continue their education. Ultimately, your education will allow you to lead a successful life and have a bright future. Through knowledge comes power.
However, some individuals in this world would threaten the pursuit of education; specifically an education provided through the Matthew Shepherd Scholarship. Groups such as those led by Mr. Fred Phelps will try to challenge you at your graduation. However, remember that he is not only challenging you, but instead he is trying to stop future applicants from receiving this very prestigious award.
You may wonder, then, why if a group like Youth Alliance exists, are we not protesting Mr. Phelp’s demonstration? Many members of the board are torn between demonstrating or denying Mr. Phelps the attention he requests. The decision was made not to give him such attention for two reasons: We believe that you will have support from your allies on this day and that giving more attention to this event will only perpetuate such hate mongering. If there is no memory of hate it will eventually cease to exist.
We want you to know that we are proud of your accomplishments. We want you to know that we wish you the best in your future endeavors and your best at school next fall. We want you to know that, while the world has hate in it, that times are changing because people like you have the courage to stand up for themselves and those like them. There are so many things that we want you to know, but they are best said in one sentence: We support you.
When you walk across the stage to receive your diploma, do so with tears of pride and not with tears of shame. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You made it, and we are proud of you!
Thank you for making a difference and good luck in the future!