Respect and dignity go two ways

Re: “Local man claims he and other ‘Christians’ are being stifled by the library’s social media,” June 1

I don’t normally use this format to express frustration or concern, but after reading Collin Gallant’s article regarding a recent social media post from the Medicine Hat Public Library, I really felt compelled to speak up.

As a member and supporter of the LGBT community, I want to begin by stating that I have absolutely no issue with the fact that this story was covered, or that Sheldon Johnston was given a platform to share his side of this story. It is my understanding that he had written a letter to the editor, that was then covered in this article. I believe that in any situation both sides of the conversation deserve to be heard. That being said, there was one quote in the article that did not sit well with me at all. Early in the article Mr. Johnston was quoted as writing that “Christians [in] this community have been models of respect and tolerance. We do not wish to become targets for marginalization, but deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

I have seen the things Mr. Johnston has shared on social media in regards to LGBT or women’s rights, or even memes that amount to personal attacks on our prime minister. It is absolutely his right to share his opinion on any of these subjects,

Tickled Pink

If city council would take off the blinkers, reintroduce a modified master cycling plan, and propel the city into the 21st century. We are a little behind the times.

Ticked Off

To the person who doesn’t like the religious nuts coming up to them — remember them when it comes to Judgment Day.

Ticked Off

That my dental office was sold to a large conglomerate out of Ontario. But I’ve found a new young dentist and his partner that are totally independent.

Tickled Pink

We should get a cowbell rally going at the Mavericks games. Fans have to start making more noise. Let’s make this the noisiest ballpark in the league.

Tickled Pink

When our society gets victim law to balance criminal law. Property owners need strong rights to protect their property. Owners are not the instigators of

the crime and are already at a disadvantage. Come on, MLAs and MPs, let’s introduce legislation to make this right.

Ticked Off

It is a sad day when a local “outreach worker” from one of our social programs mocks a person because of a mental impairment. PTSD is real and perhaps you’re not qualified for your job.

Ticked Off

That some people are more interested in looks and image than experience and work performance.

Ticked Off

Attendance for JazzFest is not too bad, but we hardly see any local musicians supporting JazzFest. We support the local musicians all over town all year, but we hardly see them supporting JazzFest. This is world-class entertainment.

Ticked Off

but I am confused about where some of these posts show respect and tolerance? If he feels that he can represent the entire Christian community in this city, then he should please do so in a way that treats everyone with dignity and respect.

I have several close friends who are members of several different church congregations in this city who may have a different belief than I do, and yet they are respectful of my right to be who I am — just as I am of their right to who they are and what they believe.

The lesson here, if I may, is that respect and dignity go two ways. I can only speak for myself here, and not the entire LGBT community. I am aware that there are people on my side of this conversation who have also not been respectful, but until this lesson is learned, we are never going to get anywhere on this or any other topic.

In closing, I would like to address the woman who has started this whole conversation by bravely being open about who she is. Karen: You are a wonderful human and I am so happy that you are living your life as your authentic self. Your courage and bravery to go public and share your story is going to help so many other people. Thank you so much for being you!

Travis Boser Medicine Hat

Why can’t people read signs in this city? Specifically school/playground zone signs? The zones begin at 7:30 a.m., not 7, not 6, not 6:30.

Tickled Pink

To know what all the local Trump supporters think now with his acting like a schoolyard 71-year-old toddler?