A disturbing experience
Transgender rights
Regarding “Senate Panel to Revive Transgender Bill,” ( July 13): This is absolutely not about sports. Conservative lawmakers need that small slice of ultraconservative voters to push them over the finish line. This is a strategic decision as they exploit both their conservative Christian voters and LGBTQ+ Texans. Listening to senators talk about “a child’s genitalia” is one of the most disturbing experiences of my life.
Just as women were denied their rights because of their bodies, the transgender population is also being denied their full citizenship. When your opportunity to participate in society depends on your body — whether that is skin color, your physical ability or your private parts — instead of your inherent worth as a human being — that is the foundation for discrimination. Make no mistake: This isn’t about sports. It’s about power.
Molly Wills Carnes, Houston
Big and bright
Regarding “How Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin changed the small West Texas town of Van Horn,” ( July 19): It was such a pleasure to read from start to finish, how the little town of Van Horn has been affected by Jeff Bezos’ company, Blue Origin. Many smiles later, I saw the stunningly beautiful photograph of the town. Hats off to Jon Shapley! It does seem to me that so much of the coverage these days is bad news. For this reason, the headline story was a breath of fresh air.
Susan Raffle, Houston