Sexual orientation needn’t be shared

I was initially encouraged by the June 15 article announcing the entrance of Anthony Brown into the Cedar Rapids City Council race (“Anthony Brown enters Cedar Rapids council race”).

As a young, white-collar professional, I enjoy seeing people of my age who seek to improve our community through public service. His ideas and perspective should make a valuable contribution to local politics.

However, I was dismayed that the article disclosed his sexual orientation. That's no one's business but his own. I find it ironic that the “liberal” media are so quick to point out someone is gay, and yet I wait to read an article where someone's heterosexuality is disclosed. I believe in a fair and honest playing field, and while this article painted Brown in a good light, there are those who will not vote for him just because he is gay, regardless of his position on the issues.

I feel that sensationalizing the fact that he is gay takes away from what he can do for Cedar Rapids. Let's move forward together.

Jesse Sargent

Cedar Rapids