Protect trans youth here
After reading a recent letter to the editor in the Cherokee Scout, I was shocked and angry with the misinformation shared and that the author brought the devil into the conversation.
Also, the suggestion that censorship should be enforced at our local library is shocking. I think parents should be aware of what their children are reading, and if they don’t approve, don’t let children read the book. In other words, parents should decide what their children read, not the government.
Also, the letter provided misleading information about Jazz Jennings, a transgender woman. Ms. Jennings said in a 2018 television interview regarding her parents, “They just embraced and loved me for who I was. They did not force me to do anything.”
Also, during the interview she said, “My struggle with mental health is related to the hate and lack of acceptance of LGBTQ people in society.”
In 2018, Ms. Jennings had vaginoplasty surgery; she was 17½ years old. Her doctors were following standard of care guidelines from the World Professional Association of Transgender Health that were established in 1979. The gender confirmation surgery is normally available starting at age 18.
In addition, the majority of patients who have vaginoplasty surgery can experience an orgasm, according to National Institutes of Health studies.
We can choose a path of love, of accepting one another and embracing our differences. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have provided therapy for trans youth. They were intelligent and often in gifted classes. They all were bullied at school and some rejected by their family.
Demonizing them or their parents is hurtful and mean spirited. So, let’s seek to practice understanding and kindness, and not spread misinformation and hate. Remember, watch out who you hate – it might be someone you love.
Dixie Carter, Murphy
Take me to the other side
Many a year ago, my uncle took me fishing. He said get into the boat, and we will go over to the other side of the lake where the fish bite better. My uncle knew fish holes better than most.
A similar story is in the Bible, when Jesus told His disciples to get into the boat and go over to the other side. Reminds me of a cow sticking his head through a wooden fence to the other side and greener pastures.
Most people have heard the song “Amazing Grace:” “How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”
That is the beauty of the cross. It not only saves us from hell, but it gives us a blessed hope for a new life when we pass over to the other side.
If one doesn’t believe there is another life after death, then you need to listen not only with your mind but with your heart, because your problem is a heart condition of unbelief.
We live in a dark and sinful world, but God’s grace and your acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ, gives you the freedom after death to pass on into heaven if only you will just believe upon His Name, the Name above all names, Jesus Christ.
There is no darkness in heaven, only the light of God’s amazing grace and love. We only have one life to live here on Earth, but eternity is forever. It will never cease to be, for God’s promises are faithful.
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.”
I pray you end up on the other side of glory.
Frank Combs, Blairsville, Ga.